The creation of Nativity Scenes is one of the oldest and most cherished Christmas traditions in many parts of the world. More than a religious representation, the Nativity Scene is an artistic expression that reflects the culture and creativity of those who build it.

The origin of the Nativity Scene

The history of the Nativity Scene dates back to the 13th century, when St. Francis of Assisi set up the first living Nativity Scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. He wanted to remember the birth of Christ in a way that was accessible and tangible for everyone. Since then, the practice of making Nativity Scenes has spread throughout Europe, evolving in different forms, materials and styles, but maintaining its essence of celebrating the spirit of Christmas.

In Vila Real de Santo António, for example, the famous Nativity Scene is part of the Algarve's Christmas traditions and is one of the municipality's anchor events, bringing together visitors of all ages and from all over the country, as well as thousands of foreign visitors, particularly Spaniards, given its popularity in neighboring Andalusia. This is a Nativity Scene that was built with more than 20 tons of sand, 4 tons of stone dust, 3000 kilos of cork and hundreds of props. It is considered one of the largest in the country, with more than 5,000 pieces and an area of 240 square meters.

The art and mastery of creation

One of the most fascinating aspects of this tradition is the variety of materials used. From clay, wood, sand, stone, cork, plaster, paper, fabric and recycled materials... Nativity Scenes can be as simple or elaborate as the artisan's imagination allows.

The arrangement of the characters is also an art form full of symbolism. In addition to the Holy Family, surrounded by elements that represent life and hope, such as shepherds and animals, the Magi stand out, symbolizing the diversity of cultures and peoples who came to worship the Child Jesus. The guiding star, a central and striking element, completes this meaningful composition.

At AM Experience, we recreate our Christmas Nativity Scenes year after year in various shopping centers, from the north to the south of the country. The assembly is more complex than you might think, and it's in the hands of Rui Fernandes that the magic happens amidst moss, cardboard, sand and countless figures that transport us to another era and another time.

Creativity and personality: A unique Nativity Scene

Each nativity scene is unique, reflecting the style, materials and artistic vision of its creator. This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own nativity scene? Whether simple or elaborate, the important thing is the meaning behind each piece and the joy of keeping alive a tradition that has enchanted and inspired generations for centuries.

The most gourmet Nativity Scene!

An association of confectioners in the city of Córdoba claims to have created the largest chocolate Nativity Scene in the world. The structure contains 1.4 tons of pure dark, milk and white chocolate, forming a city complete with biblical characters in a space of 62 square meters.

All the pieces are edible. In the Nativity Scene, there are streams of jelly, stone paths of colored confetti, floors of chocolate chips and walls filled with cookie pieces.

The largest moving Nativity Scene in the world is portuguese!

This “enchanted world” has been around for several years. It has around 8000 pieces and is known as the Cavalinho Nativity Scene, in São Paio de Oleiros (municipality of Santa Maria da Feira). It has already broken the Guinness record as the Nativity Scene with the largest number of mechanical parts in the world. The crib has grown in size every year and currently occupies around 3,500 square meters, which include, for example, around 55 kilometers of electrical cable, 5,000 LED lights, 10 waterfalls, 100 motion sensors and “a few tons of clay, sand, gravel and earth” for realistic decorative effects.