Christmas is a period of joy and also of unity. These two emotions have once more materialised at the Nivaria Center shopping centre in the capital, where the traditional charity nativity scene was unveiled yesterday.
Sand, soil, plaster, wood, and numerous intricate elements, such as whimsical rugs and small branches fashioned into bundles tied with string, create a heartwarming Christmas tableau that graces the first floor of this commercial hub, right at the base of the magnificent Christmas tree adorned in red and silver. These festive touches are further enhanced by a social initiative through a charity collection that will benefit the Breast Cancer Association of Tenerife (Amate).
During the opening ceremony, the Aswani family, proprietors of the Nivaria Center, expressed their appreciation to all the businesses situated within this venue, “which elevate the spirit of the festive season.” A centre “with its own character that has transformed into a job creator and a commercial benchmark in Santa Cruz.” The city’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, echoed these sentiments, thanking the Aswani family for their dedication to “upholding this tradition of generosity, which heralds the Christmas season in the city each year.”
In her address, the president of Amate, Carmen Bonfante, conveyed her gratitude for directing the nativity scene’s proceeds to the organisation. “This partnership will enable us to continue assisting numerous women and families impacted by breast cancer,” she remarked.
Following the blessing by parish priest Agustín Santana, the attending dignitaries and business leaders proceeded to inaugurate the nativity scene, crafted by master artisan Florencio Pérez, who has transformed a tradition into a genuine miniature realm to savour the Christmas spirit.
As a delightful finale to this heartfelt event, the school choir from Gesta 25 de Julio entertained the audience with a lively and theatrical selection of traditional Christmas carols, featuring the well-loved song Una sobre el mismo mar, by Benito Cabrera, which was even performed by the mayor himself.
The Nivaria Center’s charitable nativity scene will remain open for viewing until January 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at number 63 Tres de Mayo Avenue in the capital.
