The nativity scenes of Zarautz and Vitoria-Gasteiz are much more than a set of figures: they are a classic in this holiday season. You could say that it is a must at this time, a tradition that all the inhabitants of Zarautz and the capital of Alava carry out year after year. And the truth is not for less, as both set the holiday season for more than five decades. Specifically, it was in the year 1961 when Zarautz inaugurated in Bethlehem that more than half a century later it is still an attraction for anyone who approaches the town of Guipuzcoa.
Something similar happens in Vitoria-Gasteiz, which has its monumental Bethlehem since the year 1962. The Palace of Narros accomodates in Zarautz this static Bethlehem every year. The parish choir Schola Cantorum took the reins of the organization of Bethlehem in its beginnings, the same way as the Cavalcade of Kings, and currently continue to organizing with great enthusiasm. Some of the birth figures are maintained from the beginning. In the year 87 the association reached an agreement with the city Council of Zarautz to renew the figures and in the following year, in 1988, they provided movement for the first time to some figures, like the wings of the Angels or that of the pigeons. The Bethlehem can be visited until next January 7th at the following timetable: from 11.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 20.30 hours.
In Vitoria-Gasteiz, a monumental nativity scene is installed in the central Florida Park. Composed by more than 300 figures of natural size, created by local authors, dates from the year 1962. Shepherds, potters, butchers, the Magi and Herod appear around the grotto where the baby Jesus is located next to Joseph, Mary, the Mule and the ox. All are part of this great ensemble Nativity unique in the world by its dimensions and magnitude.