Miguel Ángel Valverde, the president of the Diputación de Ciudad Real, recently held a meeting with representatives from the Association of Belenistas de Ciudad Real, led by their president, Antonio Vich, alongside Miguel González and José Carlos Fernández. During this meeting, the team presented the project for the second monumental nativity scene to be displayed by the provincial institution.
According to Vich, the new nativity scene will be "very original" in both artistic and technical aspects, and it will be a first not only for the capital but for the entire province. The theme and design of this year's installation will differ significantly from last year's nativity scene.
The new display will retain the same location, dimensions, and layout as its predecessor, situated in the right courtyard of the Provincial Palace. However, it will introduce a completely novel approach, incorporating a theological and religious element that, as Vich noted, "transcends the mere recreation of a nativity scene."
Valverde expressed his support and best wishes for the project during the meeting. The Association of Belenistas aims to both surprise and improve upon last year's artistic and technical achievements. Their ambition also extends to visitor numbers, as last year's nativity scene attracted 36,500 visitors, a figure that they believe necessitates an effort to draw an even larger crowd this year.
The nativity scene at the Diputación will complement those at the old Casino and the Neapolitan nativity scene at the City Hall's Exhibition Hall, forming what Vich described as a "trident" of institutional nativity scenes. All three are located in unique and emblematic areas of the city centre, near pedestrian streets, and contribute to promoting cultural and traditional Christmas festivities, as well as supporting the economy and tourism in Ciudad Real and the surrounding province.
In this context, the president of the Association highlighted that the nativity scene at the Provincial Palace serves as a significant attraction for many locals from various parts of the province, who travel to Ciudad Real specifically to see it.
