Nativity Scenes in Catalonia 2023

Towns, cities and neighborhoods in Catalonia create authentic shows during the Christmas holidays with representations of live nativity scenes.

The first documents in Catalonia that accredit live nativity scenes are from the 14th century, but it was not until the end of the 50s that the concept of living nativity scene that we know today was transformed.

In recent years, this Christmas tradition is one of the essential activities to enjoy with the family and discover the outdoor scenes that represent the birth of the baby Jesus in authentic postcards and in which the visitor can walk in the middle of the scene and interact with the actors.

All the mangers have as their main axis the birth in the stable. And they are always accompanied by endless scenes about the arrival of Their Majesties the Magi, the day to day of the Catalan Crafts and Shepherds, the flight to Egypt, the Romans and above all a good Caganer.

The representations are characteristic and unique in each town and city, since to create the route of the live nativity scene, the heritage elements of each place are taken into account. In this way, we can find the birth inside a natural cave, scenes of angels flying over cliffs, guided nativity scenes, others with music and dances of the time... the offer is rich and diverse.

When the streets begin to fill with lights, magic and frost , it's time to enjoy the Living Nativity Scenes throughout the Catalan geography.

When do the Christmas holidays fall in 2023?

Different representations of each Living Nativity scene are held, the dates of which vary depending on the Christmas Holidays.

The most important Christmas parties in Catalonia are:

• Sunday December 24, 2023: Christmas Eve, known in Catalonia as Nit de Nadal, where Catalans celebrate the traditional Caga Tió.
• Monday December 25, 2023: Christmas Day, the central day of the holidays.
• Tuesday December 26, 2023: Sant Esteve, the day that we Catalans eat cannelloni.
• Sunday December 31, 2023: New Year's Eve, the last party of the year!
• Monday, January 1, 2024: Start the New Year.
• Friday, January 5, 2024: The day the kings arrive with the traditional parade of kings that are held in most municipalities of Catalonia.
• Saturday, January 6, 2024: Three Kings Day, the Christmas Holidays end.