Fabulous artistic detail is expressed in nativity scenes created in Catholic churches, homes and hotels throughout Guatemala. Antigua is no exception! Weeks of dedication are highlighted in this year’s nacimientos at San José Catedral (Church and Ruins), Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro, La Merced Church, San Francisco Monastery and the El Nacimiento Guatemalteco in the Royal Palace.

The first living nativity scene was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy in 1223 and the oldest marble nativity scene, commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1692, in on display today at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome. This tradition was brought by the Spanish to Guatemala in 1524 and, as Thomas Gage wrote in “The English-American: A New Survey of the West Indies” (1648) when he described the nativity scenes in all of the churches, he mentions how the local population does not miss visiting “to delight their senses and fantasies in the church”.

Antigua (then Santiago de Guatemala) has a century-old tradition of creating nacimientos particularly since 1658 when advocate, Santo Hermano Pedro de Betancur promoted nativity scenes. He is represented in the nativity scene on the façade of Santuario de Guadalupe Church in honor of his contribution. Many families inherit fine colonial sculptures noting Guatemala had the finest Spanish American sculpture in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Craftmanship remains exquisite today. Local expression has been added over the centuries in the figures of St. Jospeh, Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, angels, the Three Wise Men, stables, stable animals, waterfalls, local flora, fauna, and village scenes with died sawdust and moss as added touches. The Baby Jesus figure is placed in his Manger at midnight on Christmas Eve.
The Antigüeño, award winning artist and sixth – generation nativity scene creator, Gerson Rodenas, was invited by the Vatican last year to display his ornate clay nativity scene in Rome. His mother, Clara Luz de Rodenas, paints clay miniature nacimientos – some of our favorite – still today.

One tradition since colonial times involves a friend or close family member “stealing” the Baby Jesus figure. With great excitement, the Baby Jesus is returned by that person with a fiesta usually with marimba and great fanfare.

Traditionally nativity scenes are on display until Candlemas Day, February 2nd. We wish everyone happy holidays!