El Escorial nativity scene, a tradition that never fails

San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the most attractive tourist destinations near Madrid. In addition to the castle, monastery and the controversial Valley of the Fallen, the village with its cobbled streets attracts the attention of locals and visitors who come to enjoy a break, breathe in the fresh air and eat in one of the famous restaurants serving traditional, homemade food.

But if there is one time of year when this municipality is the most popular, it is the Christmas period when visitors come to see the living nativity scene. After the town council decided not to put it on in 2020 to avoid crowds, this tradition that has been going since 1996 and that is a great showcase for the whole town at community, national and international levels, has returned in 2021 with more enthusiasm and excitement than ever.

The nativity scene occupies more than 5,000 m2 distributed around the historic centre and brings together up to 450 figures, most of them made of wood, with real cloth costumes that have been donated by the people of El Escorial over the years. It is a fantastic open-air show, free of charge, in which all the people of the village take part.

Once again this year, both young and old have enjoyed being immersed in this life-size representation that lacks nothing; it even includes Herod’s castle, animals and houses in the style of the time.

We will have to wait until next Christmas to see it again and experience the festive atmosphere of the village, the entertainment provided by the musicians and the spirit of joy that can be felt in the streets by tourists and, above all, by locals. It is an excellent way to spend the day with the family.

(Photo from Madrid Happy People)

Categories: Madrid Cultura