If you are in Barcelona this Christmas, We tell you one of those plans that are as traditional as they are essential on these dates: a visit to the Christmas cribs. You already know that the traditional Plaza de Sant Jaume this year has been replaced by a giant luminous star with 20 points, although the City Council continues to maintain a manger. Take note of this and others that you should visit, because many of them are small works of art made by artisans following a historical nativity scene tradition that goes back centuries.
1. MANGER IN THE CLOISTER OF THE CATHEDRAL
Last year, the manger located in the garden of the Cathedral cloister was renovated with a sustainable design, in which vegetation was enhanced. If you couldn’t visit it, this year you have a new opportunity, and if you did, you will surely want to repeat.
When to visit it?
It will be open from November 26 to January 8, 2025. From Monday to Saturday, in 4 sessions (10, 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.) and on Sundays and holidays in 4 sessions (10, 1, 1, 16 :30 and 19:15).
© Ludivine Bastien2. MANGER OF THE PEDRALBES MONASTERY
The cultural, historical and festive tradition of the nativity scene comes to the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Pedralbes for Christmas, in collaboration with the Association of Nativity scenes of Barcelona, with two large dioramas of the life of Jesus: The Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi.
When to visit it?
Since December 14.
DID YOU KNOW THAT…
The Barcelona Nativity Scene Association is documented as the oldest in the world and is recognized worldwide, with the Barcelona diorama being its greatest exponent.
3. CITY COUNCIL CARRIAGE YARD
The Carriage Court of the town hall building will be the space to which the nativity scene that was previously exhibited in the Marès Museum, of the Barcelona Nativity Scene Association, will be moved.
When to visit it?
It can be visited between November 29 and January 5, with emblematic scenes such as the Birth or the Annunciation.
© © A Bofill4. SANTA MARÍA DEL MAR
In the most beautiful Gothic temple in the city, in the Ribera neighborhood, the Association of Friends of the Santa María del Mar Nativity Scene was born to recover the traditional manger, with the representation of the birth of the Child Jesus. The fact that it is inside the only church of pure Catalan Gothic style makes a visit essential.
5. OTHER INTERESTING NATIVITIES
You can also visit interesting mangers in the basilica of the Mare de Déu de la Mercè, the basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, he Center Sant Pere Apostol, the church of Sant Gaietà, he Music Museum, he Mercat de la Concepció or the Oratori of Sant Felipe Neri.