Almost every Spanish home has a navitity scene in pride of place at Christmas. |
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Baby Jesus in a manger
Many schools, offices, shops and home have a belen (nativity scene, literally Bethlehem; sometimes they do indeed have the entire town), still an important aspect of Christmas festivities in Andalucia. They feature animals (from the traditional oxen, donkeys and camels, to cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and dogs); Reyes Magos (Magi); angels; shepherds, farmers, artisans; houses in various different styles: rivers, bridges, ponds and wells; palm trees and other vegetation; and, at the centre, the stable, manger (pesebre), Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus; and not forgetting, of course, caganer (a man squatting to relieve himself). The more contemporary belenes may also include current newsworthy figures (Belen Esteban?). Even better, take the kids to see a live nativity scene, called a belen viviente, complete with animals; the town of Beas in Huelva has an excellent one.
- Fact 1 - Christmas carols Andaluz style. Seasonal songs;Villancicos, zambombas, and other musical offerings.
- Fact 2 - Grapes of Nocheviej. Midnight express; an unmissable fruity New Year's Eve tradition in Spain.
- Fact 3 - DIY Andalucian Christmas. Everything you need to make your house into a genuine seasonal Andaluz home.
- Fact 4 - Baby Jesus in a manger. Belen (not Esteban): The holy family, the animals, the shepherds - and the man having a poop.
- Fact 5 - Fire festivals burning bright: Festive fire festivals in Andalucia. Christmas - Fascinating Facts
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