A collection of 292 figures, intricately crafted lace over two centuries old, appeals to environmental advocates and pays homage to the Canary Islands. Behind this remarkable exhibition lies extensive research, enthusiastic visits surpassing 7,400 individuals, and a much-anticipated revival. The traditional nativity scene exhibition, spearheaded by the San Francisco de Asís Belenista Cultural Association, has made its return after a three-year hiatus to the CajaCanarias Foundation Room in Puerto de la Cruz. It invites both locals and tourists to explore until January 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The focal point of the display is a Neapolitan nativity scene measuring 20 meters in length, featuring figures ranging from 30 to 35 centimetres tall. These handcrafted pieces were created by the association’s president, Martín Álvarez Calzadilla, and his wife, Ángeles Morales. This year alone, they sourced 17 new figures from Naples, which they meticulously dressed in their embroidered garments within a period of four months.
The nativity scene is segmented into four distinct vignettes, all thematically tied to the nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem. Notably, it is distinguished by its stunning scenery, which is meticulously arranged, ensuring that every element is thoughtfully curated. This creates a harmonious blend of life in Naples circa 1700, showcasing its vibrant markets, distinctive architecture, traditional attire, and characters, alongside reflections of contemporary society.
A noteworthy inclusion within the display is the homage to environmentalists. As visitors commence their journey from the right, they will encounter a marble factory before the Roman arch, complete with oxen and workers engaged in the craftsmanship of columns and various structures. “We have relocated the town pollution and set the factory on the outskirts,” explains Álvarez.
Continuing through the exhibition, one can spot opulent houses that still stand today in the Italian city, now inhabited by “the poorest of the populace.” This shift occurred when monarch Charles III ascended to the throne, prompting many to forsake their homes to join the Court and reside in the palace. In this scene, women can be seen shopping at marketplaces, adorned in different attire from the saleswomen or cooks, which is made from simpler fabrics.
One distinctive feature is discovered in the butcher’s shop, where the produce is crafted using modelling wax acquired from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Naples. This material poses more of a challenge than ceramics, which are typically used for other miniatures. “You must blend various colours to achieve the nuances of ham and fat that aren’t purely white; to accomplish this, it is essential to render the red more translucent,” the director elucidates.
Several figures are adorned with vintage lace donated by an individual. YE
The marble factory is situated on the outskirts of the city. YE
The butcher’s shop showcases products crafted from modelling wax. YE
A lady supports a child on a padded handle. YE
Recreation of the ancient St. Peter’s Basilica with the nativity scene. YE
The Three Wise Men arrive on horse, camel and elephant. YE
The portal is divided into four scenes. / YE
The cushioned handles belonging to one of the ladies present a Neapolitan curiosity derived from an illustration the couple possessed. “It was designed to avoid harming the arm bones of the infant being cradled,” he observes.
Included are more personal touches, like the lace gifted by a lady aged 60, whose grandmother came to this tourist destination to establish a haberdashery—a venture that ultimately did not transpire. “There are materials that are two centuries old, which we preferred not to handle, but to drape directly over the figures,” he explains.
The nativity scene embodies all the agricultural traditions, with the marketplace serving as a principal backdrop, showcasing all the vital characters, from street musicians and dancers to mothers, butcher vendors, as well as both local and exotic animals. It captures the diverse trades of the era and highlights the disparities among social standings, including biblical moments such as the shepherds’ announcement, along with the Three Wise Men depicted in a Neapolitan manner, arriving on horse, camel, and elephant.
Additionally, it portrays a grape harvest setup, paying homage to the Canary Islands, along with an homage to the 801st anniversary of the first nativity scene created by Saint Francis of Assisi. This features a reproduction of the earlier St. Peter’s Basilica, which stood where the current church of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, located in Vatican City—an epicentre for the most significant Catholic gatherings worldwide—now stands.
Besides the Neapolitan piece, one can admire other noteworthy examples, including a painted clay portal hailing from the eastern part of Spain, dating back to 1934, as well as another Canarian nativity comprised of handcrafted dolls. The latter was acquired by the Hinners family in the 1970s and remained in Germany until it returned to Tenerife a few years ago, gifted to the association that enables Puerto de la Cruz to once again feature nativity scenes.
