3,200 people visit the first edition of the Living Nativity Scene in Món Sant Benet

The first edition of the Living Nativity Scene in Món Sant Benet (Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation) exceeded all expectations and welcomed 3,200 visitors.

A 21st-century nativity scene in a 10th-century monastery. With this leitmotiv,  the activities at the 1st edition of the Nativity Scene at Món Sant Benet got underway. Taking advantage of the holidays, it was held on 26, 29 and 30 December and 1 January with 4 sessions per day, and so many people flocked to it that at times capacity was reached. On the day with the heaviest traffic, Sunday 30 December, the activity welcomed almost 1,000 people. 

The Nativity Scene, the only one in all of Catalonia held in a monastery, recreated the traditional scenes common to a nativity scene (washerwomen, the annunciation of the shepherds, the birth, the Annunciation, the Three Wise Men, etc.), but the clothing, props and situations were adapted to the Middle Ages, making the project especially unique.

The scene, which earned high accolades, become a unique spectacle which combined the performances of around 100 actors (of all ages) with state-of-the-art effects.

The show gave the audience a sensorial experience through all five senses. Obviously they used their sight, but the sense of smell was also activated through different scents at different points along the route, and sound with live choir music thanks to the participation of the Lupulus Emsembla men’s choir, which performed Gregorian chants live. 

Taste also played a key role with the presence of the Tavern at the beginning and end of the route, where visitors were given a delicious shot of warm broth. 

One of the best aspects of the initiative was the engagement of local institutions and entities, which root the nativity scene in its peoples and land.