Traditional Living Nativity Scene returns with expanded activities on Christmas Day.
Photo Credit: Elche City Hall
THE ELCHE City Council, through its Department of Festivities, as well as the Association of Residents of Elche, are finishing up the preparations for the inauguration of the traditional Living Nativity Scene, which is set to make a comeback on December 25, Christmas Day, at 11:30am in the Hort del Xocolater. The gathering, which has become emblematic of the Christmas season in the shining Costa Blanca hub, will transform the space into a historical village, with activities to go alongside it for residents to participate in.
A long-awaited project with exciting new additions for this year’s edition
Nearly 45 people from the Association of Residents of Elche are collaborating on the project this year, in order to bring the traditional Nativity Scene to life. The recreation, which requires tremendous care, effort, and attention to detail, serves as a way for residents of Elche to immerse themselves in the history of not only Christmas, but their city, and has become a marker of the holiday season in the municipality.
In addition, this year’s scene will include several new additions; short performances will be added to the display, puppets will be available for the children to play with, the Roman Camp and Herod’s Palace will be expanded, there will be new and hands-on workshops to take part in, and local and talented artisans will work with with esparto grass, ceramics, and blacksmithing.
Last year’s success: A festive event that combines acting prowess and immersive storytelling
Elche’s Living Nativity Scene is a free and public event, set among the palmeral, or palm grove, in Elche. It recreates life in Bethlehem around the birth of Jesus with live actors, costumes, period scenes, and thematic areas, including a Roman camp, Herod’s palace, market, tavern, and children’s zone.
Last year’s edition, held from December 25, 2024, to January 6, 2025, featured more than 40 people from the Historical-Artistic Settlers Association of Elche, a local cultural association that promotes historical and theatrical re-enactments in the city, and portrayed scenes across multiple settings, including Herod’s palace, the Roman camp, a blacksmith’s shop, market stalls, a chestnut stand, laundry at a fountain, and the traditional manger.
Live theatrical representations became the beating heart of the attraction and provided tourists and residents with an immersive, Christmas-themed experience that put Elche’s local acting talents into the spotlight.
All in all, Elche is gearing up to welcome the holiday season in a big way, with this special and unique event highlighting the city’s dedication to the art of acting and immersive storytelling. With live performances, scheduled events, and an interactive constructed world, Elche’s Living Nativity scenes are sure to be the highlight of the holidays for many local residents.
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