Barcelona's Traditional Nativity Scene

×

Expand

This year's nativity scene is a celebration that connects the past with the present. It marks the hundredth anniversary of the death of Joan Salvat-Papasseit, an iconic poet who worked at the Moll de la Fusta wharf and drew much of his inspiration from the sea. In a tribute to the sea, the Moll de la Fusta wharf is the central setting, bringing together tradition, modernity and the city’s maritime heritage. Relocated this year to the inside of City Hall, the scene was created by the Barcelona Association of Nativity Scene Builders; the design includes iconic scenes such as the Nativity, the Annunciation, the journey of the Three Kings, and a scene of Saint Francis, as well as traditional, world-famous figures such as the pooping caganer.

Barcelona is one of the most prominent actors in the development of this eight-hundred-year-old tradition, making the nativity scene a current manifestation of art and culture. Today, Barcelona continues to promote pessebrismo as an expression of a living cultural heritage.

For more events check our online events calendar.

Christmas in Catalunya

Are you curious about Catalan holiday traditions? Head over to our page Christmas in Barcelona, and you'll learn about the famous Catalan "pooping log" and the caganer. If you're looking for something Christmassy to do, check out our list of events in and around the city at: What's on in Barcelona: Christmas.