This is one list I couldn’t resist compiling. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the many colourful, creative and downright bizarre depictions of the birth of Jesus that are displayed in central America’s many churches. Months of hard work culminates in elaborate scenes that portray the Christmas story, each with their own unique twist.
Some have stuck faithfully to the original Christmas story, choosing to show their flair through the sheer size and complexity of the figures they use. Others have twisted the Nativity story to include characters that you might struggle to find in any version of the Bible.
So here, for the first time ever (I suspect), is the definitive list of the best Christmas cribs in central America (at least the parts we managed to visit).
6. Iglesia del Cristo Negro, Juayua, El Salvador
Commended for: original use of figures in indigenous costumes; hundreds of them!
5. Templo de San Francisco, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico
Commended for: use of orange, pink and yellow farm animals
4. Sagrario Metropolitano, Mexico City
Normal enough at first glance, until you see the figure of the Devil
and a very sheepish Adam and Eve – a pretty lively Christmas party!
3. Iglesia de Carmen Bajo, Mexico
Commended for: inclusion of Egyptian pyramids… and an elephant
2. Iglesia El Calvario, Santa Ana, El Salvador
There was nothing bizarre about this one – it was just very impressive. The scene must have spread over 15 to 20 metres, and the figures were of a considerable size. This was merely a provincial church, yet would have graced St Peter’s in Rome. A true masterpiece.
1. Libreria Granen Porrua, Oaxaca, Mexico
A clear winner for the inclusion of two baseball players – clearly an oversight in the gospels that should be addressed immediately.
Best blog post title. Ever.
Andy,
Inspires blog post.
Indiana Jones makes an appearance in the second picture of No.4
Interesting camel, elephant, horse combo for three wise men (in same picture).
Adam and Eve in Bunker 172, wired up to the Xmas lights. I think if you translate the speech bubble over their heads it reads, (excuse my translation):
“When the big man says no apples, he means no apples!”
The nativity cribs in India are no less creative, and are sometimes depicted with the Hindu Gods as well.
But nothing can beat the Ganpati Festival in Mumbai, where Lord Ganesha appears in various avatars–playing cricket, in the Parliament, on the moon, on a camel ride in Egypt, on a Safari in Africa, etc. etc.
Thanks guys. I missed the Indy figure, Mark! Is that his dad up on the hilltop as well?
Sudha, the Ganpati Festival sounds well worth a look. Is there a specific time of the year that we should see it? I’m not surprised that cricket makes an appearance of course
The Ganpati festival is a 10-day long affair and the dates change every year. This year the festival begins on September 1.