Everywhere I turn in Sevilla right now, there is another Belén (a nativity scene) on public display and free for viewing (although some of the churches have a donation box as you exit). Many displays are much more than just the Nativity. I especially love the ones that recreate entire cities and towns. There’s even a Lego Belén. I might check that out this week if I can find a day when the line of children is not overwhelming.The complexity and attention to detail on some of these displays is incredible. The other day, I happened to pass the one shown below. It was in the covered plaza of a modern office building. For me, pure fantasy. I don’t focus on the “religious” aspect of the scenes (although I know that if I actually understood what I was looking at, it would all be religous). Ignorance in this case is my bliss.
All your posting give us a sense of adventure… thanks for sharing the exploring of your Sevilla adventure. kent okla city
My pleasure. Thanks for visiting, kent okla city!
This is an incredible work of art! I can imagine, having been brought up Catholic, how I would have loved to see all these Belen(s)? when I was a child. This one looks so real!
You are having too much fun Mitch! Hoping you will always be blissful.
Jim:
There are others even more complex and dramatic. I'll try to share others of interest.
Are these panoramas life size? They are just remarkable!
Ms. Sparrow:
None I've yet seen are life-size. In this one, the human figures ranged in size from about 6 inches to about 12 inches tall to enhance the sense of perspective. I've seen displays with smaller figures and with much larger ones. The one outside City Hall is primarily a traditional Nativity Scene and those figures are probably more than 24 inches tall.
Wow, are those ever elaborate!!! Amazing.
Knatolee:
Really fascinating. I could spend hours studying them.
Such astonishing details. Thanks for sharing.
Stephen:
I'll have to head over to a neighbor-doctor's house. He's got a huge display with oases, villages, and more.
Incredible. Just, incredible.
Victor:
I could lose myself in these.
Truly wonderful. Thanks, Mitch. PS What is that man doing (in picture no 3) smoking?
Elaine:
Picture No. 3: A stinky stogie! No, really, his hand is cupped over his mouth as if he's calling to a person or animal. But, at a glance, I thought he was talking on a cell phone.
Fascinating and beautiful with all that detail and imagination….I know my grandson would love to see a lego creche! Seville is amazing.
Kristi:
Sadly, I can't find the Lego Belén. I wonder if it's not coming to Sevilla this year. I'm sure your grandson would love some of the others around town, too.
So, Mitchell, these are three-dimensional? Incredible! The parts that are buildings and landscape look 3-dimensional, but the people look like paintings to me. What about the sky? How is that done?
Judy
Judeet:
It's funny. When I was cropping the photos, I thought the same thing — that the people looked like they're painted. They're not. The sky, however, is… some very beautiful air-brushing (or maybe it's all done in Photoshop)!