Belenismo - A Spanish Christmas tradition
In Spain, as in many Catholic countries, the Christmas nativity scene goes way beyond a stable and a manger. The belén (from the Spanish name for Bethlehem) often recreates in miniature an entire Palestinian village, and examples can be seen in shop windows and public squares as well as schools, businesses, churches and homes. The custom is thought to be over seven hundred years old, and even has its own name - belenismo . A lovingly-prepared Belén in the backstreets of Alcalá The little figures are often hand-made, with incredible attention to detail, and there are entire markets dedicated to selling them. We came across one in Seville yesterday: the Feria del Belén is located outside the cathedral and has been going for nearly twenty years. It has over 20 stalls selling everything from miniature mechanical blacksmiths, complete with moving hammers (€149), to tiny eggs and vegetables to put in tiny wicker baskets (from €1 each). . The Feria del ...