Route of the Nativity Scene of Aragón: 36 nativity scenes in 29 locations open their doors from December 6
The Route of the Nativity Scene of Aragón opens its doors from December 6 to January 6, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural initiatives in the autonomous community. This comprehensive journey spans 29 Aragonese towns and represents a collective effort by artisans, associations, and volunteers who keep the nativity scene tradition alive.
The route consists of a total of 36 nativity scenes distributed across three provinces: eight municipalities in Zaragoza participate with twelve nativity scenes (Alagón, Belchite, Borja, Cabañas de Ebro, Calatayud, Gelsa, Illueca, and Mella), while the province of Huesca contributes 19 nativity scenes, and Teruel adds 5 nativity scenes.
Among the new features of this edition is the inclusion of new nativity scenes from Maella, Ariza, Illueca, and two additional ones in Borja. The secretary treasurer of the Route, Inma Grau, emphasized that this practice of incorporating new nativity scenes each year reflects the dynamism of the initiative, which closed last year with 130,000 visits.
Visitors will have access to nativity scenes of various types: monumental, living, handcrafted, contemporary, and traditional. This variety reflects the wide range of creative expressions within the nativity scene practice in Aragón.
This edition takes place in a unique context: the nativity scene tradition has begun its candidacy to be recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This process emphasizes the artisanal, educational, and communal aspects of the nativity scene, as well as its intergenerational transmission. For the Route of the Nativity Scene of Aragón, this candidacy represents an extraordinary boost that highlights the work done over decades by Aragonese towns.
Eduardo Arilla, provincial deputy, has characterized the Route of the Nativity Scene of Aragón as one of the most important initiatives in the community, highlighting its ability to attract an audience, especially family tourism. José Ángel Baches, president of the Route, has emphasized the nativity scenes as a living testament to the collective effort and creativity of our artisans.
This edition is developed under the slogan «Recovering Hope.» The official poster features a symbolic composition showing a family in a devastated setting, a contemporary allusion to the Holy Family, representing all families who face situations of vulnerability, displacement, or lack of shelter, without reference to specific conflicts.
