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Living Nativity Scenes in Catalonia 2026

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Towns, cities and neighborhoods in Catalonia create authentic spectacles during the Christmas holidays with the representations of living nativity scenes.

The first documents in Catalonia that prove the staging of living nativity scenes date from the 14th century, but it was not until the late 1950s that it was transformed into the concept we know today as a living nativity scene.

In recent years, this Christmas tradition has become one of the essential activities to enjoy with the family and discover the outdoor reenactments that represent the birth of the Baby Jesus in authentic postcards, where the visitor can walk in the middle of the scene and interact with the actors.

All nativity scenes center around the birth in the stable. They are always accompanied by countless reenactments of the arrival of the Three Wise Men, the daily life of Catalan tradespeople and shepherds, the flight to Egypt, the Romans, and, above all, a good-sized caganer (a traditional Catalan figure representing the defecating figure of Christ).

The nativity scenes are unique and characteristic of each town and city, as the local heritage elements are taken into account when creating the route of the living nativity. Thus, we can find the nativity scene inside a natural cave, scenes of angels flying over cliffs, guided nativity scenes, others with music and dances from the period... the offerings are rich and diverse.

When the streets begin to fill with lights, magic and frost, it's time to enjoy the living nativity scenes throughout Catalonia.

When do the Christmas holidays fall in 2026?

The most important Christmas celebrations in Catalonia are:

Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026)

Christmas Eve is one of the most cherished evenings of the year. In Catalonia, this night is especially celebrated with the tradition of the Caga Tió, where children hit a log with sticks while singing songs so that the Tió "poops" out sweets and gifts.

It's a tradition that fills homes with laughter, excitement, and Christmas spirit. Families usually gather to share a hearty dinner, often featuring traditional dishes like escudella and carne de olla.

Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026)

Christmas Day is the heart of the Christmas celebrations. Families gather to enjoy a festive meal that typically includes " escudella con galets " (a traditional Catalan stew) and a roast chicken or stuffed capon, accompanied by nougat and wafers. It is a day dedicated to sharing special moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and keeping cherished traditions alive.

Saint Stephen's Day (Saturday, December 26, 2026)

Saint Stephen 's Day, unique to Catalonia, is a much-loved day that offers the opportunity to continue sharing moments with family. The quintessential dish for this day is cannelloni, traditionally made with leftovers from the previous day's roast. This day symbolizes the continuation of the Christmas celebrations and allows the festive spirit to linger.

New Year's Eve (Thursday, December 31, 2026)

New Year's Eve is the last big party of the year. Families and friends gather to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one with large dinners, toasts with sparkling wine, and the traditional twelve grapes, which are eaten to the rhythm of the midnight chimes to bring good luck for the next twelve months. The party continues with dancing, music, and celebrations until the early hours of the morning.

Start of the New Year (Friday, January 1, 2027)

The first day of the year, New Year's Day, is characterized as a day of rest and reflection. After the festivities of the previous night, families take this day to relax, enjoying a more leisurely meal. It's a time to recharge and start the year with renewed purpose and positive energy.

Three Kings Parade (Tuesday, January 5, 2027)

The eve of Three Kings' Day is one of the most eagerly awaited days for children. The Three Kings' Day parades, full of lights, music, and spectacle, fill the streets of every town in Catalonia with the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar. Children excitedly await the moment to see the floats go by, throw letters with their wishes, and collect sweets as the anticipation builds.

Three Kings Day (Wednesday, January 6, 2027)

Three Kings' Day marks the end of the Christmas festivities. After the magical night when the Three Wise Men left gifts in homes, families gather for breakfast to enjoy the traditional Three Kings' Cake, which hides a bean and a small figurine. Whoever finds the figurine is crowned king of the celebration, while whoever finds the bean must pay for the cake the following year. This day joyfully closes the cycle of festivities until the next year.

Events

Living nativity scene of l'Espluga de Francolí

From 27 to 29 December 

In L'Espluga de Francolí, one of the Catalan towns that pioneered the representation of live nativity scenes in 1964, a static live nativity scene is currently represented, the only one of this style in the Tarragona region. It is an…

December 26, Saint Stephen's Day

26 December 

If December 25th is the heart of Christmas, December 26th, Boxing Day, is the more familiar and genuinely Catalan continuation. It's a unique day that reflects the Catalan Christmas spirit: reuniting, sharing a table, and extending the warmth…

December 25, Christmas

25 December 

December 25th is Christmas, one of the most important and beloved holidays in Catalonia and around the world. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, according to Christian tradition. But beyond its religious origins,…

Canyelles Nativity Scene

From 19 to 20 December 

The Living Nativity scene once again fills the streets of the old town of Canyelles. The representation that shows the life and customs of Jerusalem when the baby Jesus was born, has the participation of more than 200 extras, divided into a…

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Brunyola Living Nativity Scene

From 19 to 20 December … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Corró d'Avall Living Nativity Scene

From 11 to 13 December 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Living Nativity of Santa Pau

From 5 to 6 December 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Living Nativity Scene of Corbera de Llobregat

From 28 to 29 November … 

Who hasn't heard of the Living Nativity Scene in Corbera? The town is a landmark during the Christmas season for its live reenactment of the birth of Jesus in a manger, which has become an intangible cultural heritage and one of the most important…

Finished

Living Nativity Scene of Pardines

From 2 to 3 January 

The Living Nativity Scene in Pardines has quickly become one of the town's most beloved traditions. Since its inception, this performance has grown in both participation and recognition, becoming an essential event on the Christmas calendar.…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Sant Martí Vell

28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

Edition 2025

Live nativity scene of Sant Martí de Llémena

28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of the Villa de Rupit

From 27 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

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Edition 2025

Live nativity scene of Sant Feliu del Racó

From 27 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Sant Feliu de Llobregat

From 27 to 30 December 2025 

The Cajón de Sastre Cultural Association brings us one more year the traditional representation of the Living Nativity Scene in Sant Feliu de Llobregat. The Living Nativity Scene of Sant Feliu de Llobregat consists of twelve scenes that…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity by Fontcoberta

From 27 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Vila-sacra Living Nativity Scene

From 27 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Pals

26 December 2025 … 

The Living Nativity Scene of Pals, beyond its religious significance, has become in recent years an affordable, friendly, family-oriented, established and high-quality recreational and cultural offering. The Living Nativity Scene of Pals is…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Calonge

From 26 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Celrà nativity scene

26 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Fonollosa's Nit Viva

From 26 to 28 December 2025 

La Nit Viva is a show that will transport spectators to the life of peasants more than a century ago, combining scenes of ancient trades with the magic of the Nativity scene. The performance takes place in the streets and inside century-old…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Sant Quintí de Mediona

From 25 to 26 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Maçanet de la Selva

From 25 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Jesus in Tortosa

25 December 2025 … 

Enjoy the traditional biblical drama with over 150 actors! The town of Jesús (Tortosa) hosts a new edition of its emblematic Living Nativity Scene in the gardens of the Teresian Sisters' residence, one of the most outstanding representations…

Edition 2025

Peralada nativity scene

25 December 2025 … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Joanetes nativity scene

From 25 to 28 December 2025 

Joanetes, and all its people, move through one of the most traditional and beautiful representations of La Garrotxa. In an incomparable setting, more than 40 scenes with 400 extras represent ancient trades that have been lost over time (such…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Sant Pere de Ribes

From 25 to 28 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Martorelles nativity scene

21 December 2025 … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

Edition 2025

Osona Nativity Scene in Tona

21 December 2025 … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity of Castell d'Aro

21 December 2025 … 

The Living Nativity of Castell d'Aro begins in 1959 with the help of Father Gumersind and the Bas family. Mosén Gumersind declares, in his memoirs, that he was inspired by the Living Manger of Engordany (Andorra) created by Esteve Albert.…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Els Prats de Rei

21 December 2025 … 

At Christmas one of the traditions of Alta Anoia returns, the renowned Els Prats de Rei Nativity Scene, which this year celebrates a new edition. The streets and squares of the town are transformed into a great stage and, aided by the magic…

Edition 2025

Bàscara Nativity Scene

21 December 2025 … 

The Bàscara Nativity Scene is one of the best known in the Girona region and one of the oldest in the country. Since Christmas 1973, year after year, it has represented the most characteristic scenes in the old town and on the banks…

Edition 2025

Living Crib of La Pobla de Montornès

21 December 2025 … 

The Pobla de Montornès Nativity Scene is a moving and talking nativity scene with period, traditional costumes and recorded music. The representations of the Living Crib of the Pobla de Montornès began in 1976, under the organization…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Breda

21 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Bonmatí living nativity scene

21 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Premià de Dalt

21 December 2025 … 

During the days close to Christmas and Three Kings , Premià de Dalt organizes its Living Nativity scene. Visitors will travel to Nazareth for a while, and will be able to live with centurions, merchants and other characters of the time.…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity scene in Navàs

21 December 2025 

The Living Nativity Scene of Navàs is a tradition organised by the Ali-Bei Escort Group that has been held annually in the Church Square since 1977. This activity has become a prominent event in the municipality, maintaining its essence…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Les Gunyoles d'Avinyonet

21 December 2025 … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Vilavenut Nativity Scene

From 20 to 21 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Santa Maria d'Oló

From 20 to 21 December 2025 

Discover Santa Maria d'Oló, a small town in Moianès that must be visited for its scenic charm and cultural wealth. In the Living Manger, some essential characters full of hope and enthusiasm await you! Towns, cities and neighborhoods…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Sant Guim de la Plana

20 December 2025 … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity of the Turret in La Roca del Vallès

From 20 to 21 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Les Torres de Fals

20 December 2025 … 

The town of Fals, in the municipality of Fonollosa, is ready to enjoy a new edition of the living nativity scene. Grandparents, grandchildren, fathers and mothers, the whole town participates collectively in this representation. All the figures,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Santa Maria de Palautordera

20 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Live nativity scene of Sant Jaume dels Domenys

From 20 to 21 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Viladecans Nativity Scene

From 19 to 21 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Live nativity scene of Sant Fost de Campsentelles

14 December 2025 … 

The traditional Living Crib of Sant Fost de Campsentelles returns! This nativity scene is known for the high participation of extras (close to 200) and for the special effects that the representations of the scenes have. This tradition goes…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene of Polinyà

14 December 2025 

The Living Nativity Scene of Polinyà was celebrated uninterruptedly between 1972 and 1985. As it was an initiative organized entirely by volunteers, it then suffered a 20-year hiatus. Thanks to the drive of many residents of the town,…

Edition 2025

Living Nativity Scene in Vallgorguina

13 December 2025 

The Living Nativity is one of the most emblematic representations of Christmas, and Vallgorguina hosts this beloved tradition year after year. With its new edition, this activity becomes a unique opportunity to relive the scene of the Birth…

Edition 2025

Enjoy Christmas in Mollet del Vallès!

From 12 to 14 December 2025 … 

Mollet del Vallès kicks off the Christmas Campaign for another year! Mollet del Vallès presents a Christmas Campaign with new products aimed at youth, children and families. Some proposals that at the same time want to promote…

Edition 2025

Experience Christmas in Montgai and Butsènit!

From 11 to 13 December 2025 … 

With the arrival of December, Montgai and Butsènit are preparing to celebrate Christmas with a full program of activities designed for all ages. Tradition, culture, and community come together in a series of events that invite everyone…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of the Estels de Masia de Castelló in Vandellòs

From 6 to 7 December 2025 … 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Living nativity scene of Prullans de Cerdanya

From 6 to 7 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Navata's Living Crib

From 6 to 7 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Cànoves i Samalús nativity scene

From 6 to 7 December 2025 

A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…

Edition 2025

Experience Christmas in Hostalric!

From 4 to 6 December 2025 … 

Experience Christmas in Hostalric once again this year! Hostalric's Christmas festivities return once again , packed with activities for all ages, transforming the town into a hub of tradition, culture, and shared moments. From the beginning…

Suspended

Living Nativity Scene of Tossa de Mar

21 December 2024 

Live a magical Christmas with the Living Nativity Scene of Tossa de Mar! It will take place in the walled enclosure of Vila Vella de Tossa, a truly wonderful and unique environment, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Voluntary donations can be made…

Events

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