The Belén Routes of Spain: The Tradition of the Nativity
Wherever you open your Hamiltons of London Real Estate Franchise in Spain you will soon become acquainted with your areas Christmas traditions. This knowledge is something to impart to your clients as well as an additional part of Hamiltons excellent standards of customer service. As Christmas approaches colourful lights will be switched on in every village, town and city across Spain, Christmas Trees will adorn church squares and the countries beloved tradition, the Belén or Nativity scene, will appear everywhere displaying the story of the birth of Jesus. Many are intricately crafted works of art demonstrating faith and community spirit. Entire routes – the Rutas de los Belenes – appear throughout Spain where visitors, residents and pilgrims can explore and admire the craftsmanship of these displays and enjoy moments of faith and contemplation.
The Belén
The scene of the Nativity showing of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus in the stable is known in Spain as Belén which means Bethlehem. However, Belenes often show more than the stable scene adding surroundings which include villages, flowing rivers, markets and everyday rural life. They will often be based upon local landscapes and architecture making these tableaux very personal to the town in Spain where they are exhibited.
It is said that the first Nativity scene was created by Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy and the customer then spread across Europe. By the 1700s Spanish artisans had begun to craft elaborate Belenes for churches, homes and palaces and today the art form thrives in every region of Spain mixing religious devotion with creativity.
Andalusia: The Centre for Belén Routes
In southern Spain the region of Andalusia is often considered to be the heart of the Belén tradition with major cities in the area showing some of the most famous Nativity scenes in the country. In Seville, the route can be followed through churches, convents, and cultural centres with each Belén along the way showing unique interpretation of the Nativity. The figurines are very detailed, often made from terracotta and their hand-painted faces have lifelike expressions.
Jerez is home to sherry and the Ruta de Belenes here is intertwined with this so that viewers can stroll from one Nativity scene to another and at the same time stop at the bodegas to sample the local wine. Jerez also holds an annual competition attracting artists from across Spain to show both traditional and modern interpretations of the Christmas story. Meanwhile, in Córdoba the Galleros Artesanos display the world’s largest chocolate nativity scene which delights all age groups who see it year after year. This handmade chocolate nativity has been a tradition in Córdoba for 90 years and visiting is possible from October through to 5th January and each year a new theme is added, for example this year there are depiction of classic and modern fairy tales from Aladdin to the Grinch.
Madrid and Castile: Tradition and Innovation
In Spain‘s capital the Nativity scene route through Madrid is the highlight of the festive season. One of the most impressive displays with hundreds of figures in a sprawling landscape which changes slightly each year is exhibited at the Royal Palace. For those who want to add their own Belén to their home the Plaza Mayor Christmas market is the perfect place to find your own handcrafted figurines from shepherds and angels to miniature animals and buildings as well as the holy family. Away from Madrid in the region of Castile and León maintains some of the oldest traditions of the Belén. León is home to the Museo de los Belenes de Mundo with exhibits of Nativity scenes from all over the world demonstrating how this Spanish customer has inspired global variations. In Valladolid there are both historical and modern displays combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair.
Catalonia and the Caganer Tradition
The region of Catalonia has added a cheeky twist to their Nativity tradition with inclusion in each display of the Caganer which is a small figure or a peasant caught in the act of relieving himself. Some might think this an irreverent inclusion but in Catalonia the Caganer symbolises fertility, good luck and the natural cycle of life. Markets in Barcelona and Girona sell many variations of this character with caricatures of celebrities and politicians. countless variations of this beloved figure, from traditional farmers to caricatures of celebrities and politicians. The Barcelona route includes an impressive grand display at the Cathedral as well as at the Poble Espanyol and the market of Fira de Santa Llúcia where craftsmen have sold Nativity figures since the start of the tradition in the 18th century. In Catalonia the Belén mixes humour, artistry and long-standing traditions.
Northern Spain: Craftsmanship and Community
In northern regions of Spain such as Navarre, the Basque Country, and Galicia, the Belén routes involve the whole community. The local association in Pamplona builds large Belenes in the public squares that include landscapes of the area from the Pyrenees to coastal villages. In Bilbao the route highlights traditional and modern Belén while a beloved and historic Belén is situated by the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela to delight pilgrims, residents and tourists.
Living Belenes
Possibly one of the most endearing expressions of the Nativity traditions is the Belén Viviente – living Nativity. There are some town including Buitrago del Lozoya (Madrid), Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz), and Alcalá del Júcar (Albacete) where the community acts out the story of the birth of Jesus in the streets with elaborate sets, actors and animals. The streets are transformed into those of ancient Judean villages and visitor walk through scenes that show daily life with blacksmiths at work and shepherds looking after their flocks. These living Belenes bring together their community and define the Christmas spirit in Spain.
Routes of Faith and Art
The Nativity routes in Spain are a living express both the faith and cultural identity of the country. When you become a Hamiltons of London Franchisee enjoy finding out about the Belén routes near you and explore them so that you can encourage your clients who are buying a home in Spain to do the same. It’s a wonderful way to join the community and feel the Christmas spirit whether it is a grand exhibition in a cathedral or a smaller village display. In Spain their devotion to the Christmas story has become an artform and all who view the Belenes will experience a little bit of Christmas magic.
