Nativity Scene
The Nativity scene was brought to Guatemala by Hermano Pedro de Bethancourt 300 years ago. In modern times, it is a christmas tradition combining creativity and dedication. Making a Nativity scene with angels, sheep herders and Baby Jesus is a tradition inherited by generations. Hermano Pedro de Bethancourt (1626-1667) introduced this tradition in Guatemala. The makings of the nativity scene and the posadas that remain us of the trip Mary and Joseph took to reach Jerusalem and in doing so accomplished their objective of the Roman census and the birth of Jesus in Belem.
Since the beginnings of the XIX century, the nativity scene was not only seen in churches but also in houses. The nativity scene is directed mainly by the mother of the house using sawdust from different colors, musk and mud figurines that are sold for this festivities in the markets across the nation. The nativity scene is an spanish heritage but only in Guatemala has its distinctive characteristic. It is a colorful display that incorporates Mayan pop art, spanish influence and catholic tradition.
Even though the most important purpose of the nativity scene is to remember the birth of Jesus, the Guatemalan ingenuity can not stand aside. In the nativity scene of the Deeds of Brother Pedro in Antigua Guatemala, a water fountain, illumination and a house built with authentic adobe was built. In this nativity scene, four months were spent to make and dress the images, to place the pine, to install the lights and to build the house.
