If you’ve ever visited the Costa del Sol during the months of December and January, you will have had the opportunity to admire the beautiful nativity scenes, known as belenes in Spanish, on display throughout the province. The Costa del Sol has a long tradition of exhibiting nativity scenes so why not come and see as many as you can this festive period? Whether they feature works of art of live actors, both you and the kids will love seeing the nativities on display in Malaga and a great number of inland destinations. Keep reading to discover the must-visits.
Nativity scenes in Malaga city
You can see some seventy nativity scenes in the capital of the province, each of which boasts a unique recreation of the birth of Jesus Christ. To start planning your visit, check out the interactive map available on belenes.malaga.eu, which provides addresses and opening hours for all of the nativities.
Municipal nativity
The municipal nativity scene is one of the most popular in Malaga city. Located in the central patio of the town hall, the nativity features a different design every year. New and unique recreations telling the story of the birth of Christ are complemented with sound effects, water and lighting over 132m². Though the presentation is new each year, the order of the scenes does not change. The nativity starts with the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a country dwelling sitting on the banks of a stream that descends from the mountains in a series of beautiful waterfalls. The course of water leads to well-tended agricultural land where you can see vines lining the slopes of the mountains and crops growing in the plains. Up above, on the peak of the mountain, looms the fortress. The municipal nativity is open until the 6 January from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm at Malaga town hall.
Malaga cathedral nativity
Malaga cathedral’s monumental nativity scene, created by Asociación Belenista de Málaga la Alcazaba, is another must-see in the city. It’s open from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 8.30pm every day.
Source: Diócesis de Málaga
La Mosca nativity
The next stop on your tour of the nativity scenes in Malaga should be La Mosca, which is one of the most spectacular in the city. You can see it at Peña El Belén on Escritor Manuel Solano street Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm. The nativity depicts all the relevant scenes from the Bible and boasts an impressive 2,000 figurines. The creators make many of the structures by hand and spend countless hours putting the display together.
Almayate’s live nativity
Almayate’s live nativity is one of the most popular in the Costa del Sol, so much so that it has been listed an event of unique tourist interest. Each year, the residents of this part of La Axarquía help organise the presentation of the birth of Jesus Christ, which features some 200 people. The scene is straight from the Bible. Taking place over some 3,000m², this theatrical piece is bursting with details, from the clothing and decoration to the animals.
Museo de Belenes de Mollina
At this nativity museum, you can see a collection of over 60 artistic nativity scenes set in destinations ranging from the favelas of Río de Janeiro to an unnamed street destroyed by war. Expanding over 5,000m², the exhibition counts 60 plus nativities and a thousand figurines made by renowned national and international artists. Ever since its inauguration, the museum is thought to have been the biggest nativity museum in the world. You won’t want to miss it.
Source: Museo de Belenes de Mollina
Canillas de Albaida’s live nativity
Located in La Axarquía, Canillas de Albaida is known for having one of the most original live nativity scenes in Andalusia, as - unlike others - it involves a procession through the streets of the destination. The Virgin Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus make their way through the centre of the village in search of shelter accompanied by a shepherd.
Nativity scenes in Antequera
Antequera is bursting with nativity scenes as a competition encourages locals to open their doors to the public from the 25 December to the 6 January, from 5pm to 8pm. Other nativities worth seeing in the destination are those in the baptistry of San Pedro church and Antequera town hall, which you can also see in the patio on the same dates.
The submarine nativity at Sea Life
Benalmádena marina is home to one of the most original nativities out there: an underwater nativity, on display at Sea Life Benalmádena. This year the nativity has a new layout and more modern figures. Sitting amid the sea life, the nativity is sure to give you an unforgettable memory of the festive period. The nativity at Sea Life Benalmádena, alongside all the other activities on offer in the aquarium, are open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5.30pm.
Source: El Mira
San Cristóbal church nativity in Ronda
There are a number of nativity scenes on display in Ronda’s churches and institutions. A highlight is the nativity in San Cristóbal parish church. It takes some four days to be put together and is traditionally blessed on the Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
So what do you think? Fancy exploring the nativity scenes on display in Malaga province? If you really love Christmas, you also won’t want to miss the festive lights illuminating Calle Larios in Malaga city. Make your way to one of the three shows held every evening to see the street lit up to the sound of carols. An event that promises to put a smile on your face. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Costa del Sol this Christmas.
