La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
Belén is the Spanish word for “Bethlehem.” It’s also the Spanish word for the often extravagant nativity scenes at Christmas. These are not just a creche but often the entire city of Bethlehem. Had I grown up here, this agnostic’s (atheist’s?) profession might have been creating these wonderful dioramas. I was obsessed with dioramas when I was a kid and built many.
I walked around the city center to see as many as I could this year. I had gotten used to some truly ornate and enormous belenes in Sevilla and Fuengirola, so I was a bit disappointed in many that I saw here (which would have wowed me when we first arrived in Spain). None are as enormous as some others I’ve seen over the years. I might still visit some more in the coming week.
The municipal Belén, displayed not far from us in the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, was to me the most elegant. Here are some views. The final three photos are of a beautiful display in a nearby shop window.
Matt and Lindy are on their way north for another week of adventures. They were here yesterday for a final visit and dinner and it was bittersweet. SG and I were already moping during the day because we knew they were leaving. What a joy to have had them here and to have such an exceptional relationship with them both. I consider them one (or two) of the greatest gifts in my life. I was going to say “blessings,” but, you know, atheist/agnostic.
Si hubiera crecido aquí, la profesión de este agnóstico (¿ateo?) podría haber sido crear estos maravillosos belenes. De niño, estaba obsesionado con los dioramas y construí muchos.
Este año, caminé por el centro para ver todos los que pude. Me había acostumbrado a algunos belenes enormes y realmente ornamentados en Sevilla y Fuengirola, así que me decepcionaron un poco muchos de los que vi aquí (que me habrían maravillado cuando llegamos a España). Ninguno es tan enorme como otros que he visto a lo largo de los años. Quizás visite más la semana que viene.
El Belén municipal, expuesto no muy lejos de nosotros en el Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, me pareció el más elegante. Aquí tienen algunas vistas. Las tres últimas fotos son de una hermosa exhibición en un escaparate cercano.
Matt y Lindy se dirigen al norte para otra semana de aventuras. Estuvieron aquí ayer para una última visita y cena, y fue una experiencia agridulce. SG y yo ya estábamos deprimidos durante el día porque sabíamos que se iban. Qué alegría haberlos tenido aquí y tener una relación tan excepcional con ambos. Los considero uno (o dos) de los mejores regalos de mi vida. Iba a decir “bendiciones”, pero, ya saben, soy ateo/agnóstico.
• El pobre tipo realmente pisó un montón.
• Qué elegante. Pero sujetar esos dedos así debe doler. Inténtalo.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
Even this agnostic-atheist is amazed by the Beléns. The detail is stunning I could get lost just looking at them!
Me too!
Raybeard:
A great DIY project.
Bob:
I could, too. It’s a shame I have to move out of the way for other people.
Such INCREDIBLE detail! And am I wrong, or is that first Magi a little light in the loafers?
Debra:
Does the brooch give it away. SG wore a similar one when he was Olga Chicaboomskaya.
OMG, such beautiful pictures Mitch! Thanks a lot!
Anonymous is Jan from Perth
Jan from Perth:
Thanks! A lot of fun.
These are amazing scenes, even including birds and street animals. I always wonder where do they store them?? Creepy warehouses of lifelike figures! Boud
Boud:
Can you imagine wandering through those spaces? The brotherhoods have lots of places to store these things. Some people have their own personal, enormous belenes. I knew a woman in Fuengirola whose garage was completely filled with boxes that got hauled out every July so she could start setting up for Christmas.
Thank you for the deep dive into beauty this morning. I needed that.
David:
You’re welcome!
Even the little birds and little cat!
Whew, what an amazing work of art.
Judy C:
Yes, I loved those little details in this one. Beautiful quality.
I want the hats those two kings are wearing!
wickedhamster:
Oh, you could easily make one for yourself and adorn it with one of your favorite brooches.
I love these with all of my agnostic (atheist?) heart. I, too, find dioramas fascinating. The detail in these is terrific. The little birds, the cats, the baskets of laundry…
I know you and SG will miss your beloveds. They will miss you too. How could they not? And I believe with all of my heart that it is fine for agnostics (atheists?) to use the word blessings. You, in fact, are one.
Ms. Moon:
I love the dedication to details on belenes like this one. I think the laundry ladies are my favorites.
I love the little details…the birds, cat, mice, chickens. It amuses me that Mary and the infant Jesus are portrayed as so very white as opposed to the skin tones of the other figures.
ellen abbott:
It is interesting, isn’t it? The only two with white skin and blond hair.
As one who loves miniatures, I’ve always liked dioramas. These are beautiful. What is the scale on them?
Do you think those cats would really be that nonchalant about the birds on the ground?
Anyone can feel blessed whether they believe in a higher power or not.
Kelly:
The municipal belen figures were taller than I usually see in large belen displays. I’m guessing, from memory, maybe the tallest was 12 inches. Balthazar in the shop window was probably 36 inches tall.
These are wonderful with all their detail !
“Special’ people in our lives are cherished and rightly so.
Jim:
Still missing Matt and Lindy. They are so special.
Wow! The precision work that has gone into the details of those figures and scenarios is truly impressive… Jx
Jon:
I would have so much fun working on these scenes.
Wow! Amazing, intricate belens. I always wanted to be able to make good dioramas in elementary school, but I’m not the least bit artsy. I’m sorry you miss your dear ones.
Love,
Janie
janiejunebug:
I made dioramas but my father sneered because he thought I was playing with dolls.
Keep in mind that Bethlehem IS a real place, so even if one chooses not to believe Jesus was born there (I myself doubt it) these dioramas still give an idea what everyday life may have been like for everyday people.
Kirk:
But these look nothing like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Nor Bethlehem, Camarthenshire. Jx
Those are amazing dioramas. I especially love the goldfinches pecking at the pavement. Isn’t there a city in Brazil named Belen? (Oh, that’s Belem. I wonder if it’s the Portuguese version of Bethlehem?)
Steve:
Yep, Belem is Portuguese for Bethlehem. I also love those goldfinches.
How lavish! My Protestant ancestors would disapprove but I think it is fab.
Urspo:
If it’s any help, preppy style is not uncommon here.
I remember in Italy similar Presepe. So lovely and so much work involved in them.
larrymuffin:
I was never in Italy for Christmas, only in summer. That would have been quite an experience.