Traditional nativity displays return across southern Costa Blanca
Photo Credit: Alicante Department of Tourism
THE SHINING Costa Blanca will be a main hub for the Christmas festivities in the province of Alicante, with ample celebrations, holiday programmes with countless local events, and blowout parties to commemorate the arrival of the long-awaited holiday season. In local towns including Rojales, Los Montesinos, San Fulgencio, Algorfa, and Orihuela Costa, among the available spectacles will be the elaborate Nativity displays, or belenes, generally open daily throughout the week of Christmas.
A shining showcase of craftmanship, talent, and dedication
From around Saturday, December 20 to Friday, December 26, residents in these local municipalities will be able to visit the Nativity displays, detailed creations made by local artists and craftsmen, in their towns.
The setup allows local residents and tourists to appreciate the craftsmanship of these traditional and artistic Nativity scenes, emblematic of the holiday season in many parts of the Costa Blanca. Some of the belenes will feature mechanised moving figures and parts, with sound effects included, showcasing the innovative creativity of local talents. Many of the creators of the Nativity scenes work on the pieces for months before they are displayed to the public.
In addition, the local Nativity displays are often accompanied by small concerts, choral performances, or guided visits. Some towns run an informal “Ruta de los Belenes”, or “Nativity tour,” encouraging visitors to tour multiple locations and get to know the local town on a more intimate level.
Places where local Nativity scenes may be on display in the Costa Blanca:
In Rojales, the scene will be on display at the archaeological museum or at the town’s Cultural Centre. In Los Montesinos, the display will be located at the foyer of the Los Montesinos Town Hall foyer or at the town’s Cultural Centre. San Fulgencio’s Nativity scene will be displayed either at the Community or Civic Centre, or at the parish church. In Algorfa, the scene will be displayed at the Cultural Centre or church exhibition hall. Finally, in the nearby town of Callosa de Segura, there will be a Large Expo Belén, a widely-renowned exposition of crafted Nativity scenes that are sure to take visitors’ and residents’ breath away.
All in all, the belenes of Christmastime on the Costa Blanca will be the perfect opportunity to appreciate this important aspect of the coastal culture and ring in the holiday season with a quiet moment to appreciate the art and reflect on the year.
Read more news from Costa Blanca South here.