This Christmas holiday and according to the tradition which dates back to 1962, the Parque de la Florida in Vitoria-Gasteiz was the scene for the giant Monumental Nativity Scene with more than 200 natural size pieces. This is a traditional event in the Vitoria Christmas that receives the visit of thousands of people from Vitoria, who make their way to the park to admire the beautiful Nativity Scene and listen to the typical Christmas Carols.

Every year, in the middle of November, they start work on the different structures that make up the scene, buildings and stalls or Herod’s Castle. At the same time, the different human and animal figures and decorations are placed, always varying from one year to the next, as new figures, from the donations of the Baby Jesus manger, are added to the old ones.

Something that never changes is the grotto, which acts as a manger, with the figures of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and Baby Jesus. This grotto is situated in the area nearest to the kiosk and is signalled by the star of Bethlehem that shines from the top. The visitors walk slowly between the Nativity Scene lights, following the labyrinth of paths and streams that make up the scene, making every visit new and unrepeatable.

Finally, on an interesting note, we must not forget to mention that the figures change their roles throughout the years. Ancient plaster figures have undergone several transformations, such as the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph into a washerwoman and a shepherd, or the old Three Wise Men Pages, became King Herod’s personal guards.