On Christmas Day 1223, 800 years ago, the first Nativity scene in history was set up. Its creator was Saint Francis of Assisi, who asked a nobleman named Giovanni to ensure that the people of the Italian city of Greccio could see how Jesus was born.
The blessed did not worry about the extras, but he did worry about there being an ox and a donkey that gave rise to the origin of recreating the mystery of birth in the Christian world, laying the foundations of a tradition that has been maintained over time and in where families come together in harmony and peace around nativity scenes.
This custom came to Spain from the Franciscans, who used the Nativity scene to preach about poverty, so when in 1680 the friars founded their convent in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, right where the current parish is today, it is beautiful custom also arrived with them on the Island.
Eight centuries later, and with the desire to turn the capital’s Church of San Francisco into a great cultural proposal for the city, its parish priest, Miguel Ángel Mederos, decided to involve the capital’s City Council in a unique initiative to turn the temple into the artistic epicenter of Christmas, uniting tradition and faith with the story of the first Nativity scene.
A program of activities that includes the exhibition at the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, which under the name The Bethlehem Among Us will be open until January 7, in addition to the theatrical performance of the Sacramental Auto of the Three Wise Men in the Church itself, in collaboration with the Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero, and sacred music concerts by the Nobis Vocal Ensemble and Novae Vocal Ensemble choirs. Acts that are also accompanied by a large Nativity scene on the main altar worthy of admiration.
The parish priest explained that “it is the first time that the Church has carried out a production of this type, which has resulted in a bill of almost 8,000 euros for the scenic assembly that it has involved, although we have a donor who gave us 3,000 euros and , the rest that is missing, God will provide. But the play has been a success, with full houses, just like the concerts.”
For his part, the Councilor for Culture of Santa Cruz, Santiago Díaz, stressed that “we have supported this initiative because Christmas is also art and, in addition, this year the 800 years of the first Nativity scene are commemorated. From the area we have complemented the project with an exhibition in Fine Arts that brings together works, in a baroque and contemporary style, among which one by Juan de Miranda or the Triptych of the Nativity by Nava y Grimón stands out. A more artistic approach to Christmas that also helps to spread our cultural heritage and, hence, our willingness to collaborate, although it is true that the entire cost has been assumed by the Church itself.”
Activities that began to take shape last September to become a pioneering experience that exalts Christmas culture and for which institutions, companies and even other parishes on the Island have collaborated. “The Nativity scene that presides over the main altar has been set up the teacher Jesús Rodrígues, and it is made up of great figures among which the Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph stand out, Saint Francis of the chapel of the Third Order and Saint Clare, as well as an angel lent to us by the Clara Sisters of La Laguna. The baby Jesus will be placed on the 25th,” the priest specified.
In this regard, the councilor added that “it is about the chicharreros themselves knowing a little more about all the culture that exists in the capital and, specifically, in its churches. We have to feel proud of our artistic heritage, which must be cared for and valued. Therefore, this is an opportunity for citizens to come to San Francisco and the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy all the great artistic wealth.”
Both agree that this cultural initiative around Christmas is the beginning of future collaborations between the Church and the City Council in order to keep the history of the city alive, which is now offered something more than just parties or shopping. The success of the public that has attended these scheduled activities guarantees that the initiative is bearing fruit. An experience for the senses that, until January 7, will continue with the Nativity scene in the Church and the exhibition in Fine Arts, which can be visited for free in the morning and afternoon. “What we want is not only to generate culture but to preserve it,” they concluded.
