It’s been a while since I’ve focused a Monday Snapshot on Seville – I’ve simply had too many other things to write about, and planning a Spanish-American wedding can get consuming. In fact, I was a downright Scrooge about my holidays, as other commitments had me working and not enjoying the Christmas lights downtown or traditional Christmas dinners with friends and coworkers.
A foiled attempt to run a few last errands before the holiday gave me about 20 minutes to explore one of my favorite fixtures to a sevillana Christmas: the mercadillo de Belenes. Belén is the Spanish name of the city where Jesus Christ was born, and the so-named nativity scenes go from basic with just the Holy Family to full-blown towns with running water and animatronics.
Where other European countries have Christmas markets with traditional handicrafts, we get pooping statues in the corner of the Nativity and even town wenches. Spain is different.
While our sorry excuse for a Christmas tree barely has ornaments, let alone a fancy nativity, I’m greatly looking forward to building one, beginning with the Holy Family and the animals – and maybe even a caganer.
Have you been to any sweet Christmas markets?
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THAT was awesome!! I especially love the flamenco dancers in the nativity scene.
Wandering Educators recently posted..A White House Christmas
Because it isn’t Christmas without a little bit of arte!
Sadly, I have not been to any Christmas markets this year, can you believe it….maybe 2015 will be the magical time for me to visit Europe during Christmas time.
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I vote yes! Happy 2015, Noel!
I’m heading to Seville in a few days, I can’t wait to visit this market!
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Shame I’ll miss you! Let me know if you need any suggestions lady, and happy new year!
i love the Sevillanas dancers in the scene! Andaluces are perhaps the people with more wit to create funny and lovely things!
happy Christmas Cat, and hope 2015 is a year with a lot of success, and your blog continues to be great.
Thanks very much, Pedro! Felices fiestas!
We love the look of this market. Although we think our Belén de Arena shades it. What’s not to love about a miniature Bethlehem crafted from sand?
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Awww! Christmas spirit!
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I always love to see how different countries interpret Nativity Scenes . . . such creativity!
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These Nativity Scenes look so fun- especially the one with flamenco dancers!
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