The Nativity scene in San Javier in Murcia is one of the largest and oldest in Spain.It has more than 1300 pieces.Naturally there is the holy family but around them there is a whole population and city.There are soldiers,farmers,palaces,farms shops and markets.It moves,the machinary of the farms and the figures.
It was created 40 years ago with the great effort of local priests and residents.The first one was installed in the Plaza de Ayuntamiento with just 100 pieces and it has been growing ever since.New scenes and figures are added year on year.Each year locals peer at the Nativity to discover just which piece is new that year.
All of the figures are made of clay and hand made by Murcian artists.The houses are made of wood and were built by the original founders.The son of the original founder has continued the tradition.The buildings have been researched for their architecture and are as authentic as they can be.The electric mechanisms are very delicate and complex too.
The whole scene depicts every aspect of the Christmas story in chronological order.There is also a museum in the town where it can be viewed for most of the year before Christmas.The Nativity is outside over the Christmas period and around January 6 it is dismantled once again and returned to the museum.Nativity scenes from other countries are also on view at the museum.
