This morning, Orihuela Mayor Pepe Vegara, along with Councillor for Festivities Rocío Ortuño and the Cathedral’s Parish Priest José Antonio Martínez, inaugurated the Municipal Nativity Scene. Several government team councillors also attended the event.
Located once again at Plaza Teniente Linares (former Tourist Office), the Nativity Scene has already welcomed schoolchildren from Jesús María San Agustín School since its early morning opening. Expert nativity scene artist Carmen Luisa Cabrera created the display, depicting a Hebrew village with figures and decorative elements that recreate key scenes like the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Councillor Ortuño highlighted the importance of this tradition, saying, “We are opening the doors of the Municipal Nativity Scene so that all Orihuela residents and visitors can enjoy this impressive composition, one of the most eagerly awaited Christmas traditions visited by thousands every year.”
Cabrera detailed the scene, noting it consists of 500 pieces, 30 of which are new this year. Measuring 7m x 15m and 0.80m high, the Nativity Scene combines new and previous constructions. New additions include the buildings of the wedding, the annunciation, and the entrance to the Jewish village. Scenes such as the Annunciation to Mary, the visitation of the Virgin to Saint Elizabeth, the inn, the annunciation to the shepherds, the census, the birth, the flight to Egypt, and the tent of the Three Wise Men are all featured, adorned with natural plants.
Mayor Vegara remarked, “We find ourselves with a very beautiful Nativity scene once again, marking the last step to enter Christmas. As this year’s slogan says, Orihuela is the star that unites us, and we want to live together these special days.” The lights will be turned on tomorrow afternoon, and the Nativity Scene on the Orihuela coast will also be inaugurated.
Schedule
The Nativity Scene is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On December 24, 25, 31, and January 1, 5, and 6, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
