The Avenidas branch of the El Corte Inglés department store has opened its nativity scene to the public. The nativity scene is always hotly anticipated, and thousands of people are expected to queue up for a glimpse of it between now and Christmas.
Built by the company Mayo de Madrid, a business which specialises in designing large nativity scenes, the creation is the third largest of its kind throughout the whole of Spain, and is always popular over the festive season.
A total of more than one hundred and twenty metres squared have been covered by the sprawling construction, detailing the most important scenes leading up to and including the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. These include the appearance of the angel to the shepherds, an authentic city scene, and several depictions of the three wise men on their way to Jesus' birthplace.
Antonio Sánchez, a spokesman for El Corte Inglés, says that it is the most important nativity scene that has been created in Palma in modern times. There is also a great incentive for the public to visit the series of six dioramas which will be on display next to the nativity scene, which will recreate a number of biblical events in a reproduced Hebrew countryside and others with a beautiful Castillian backdrop.
Causing more excitement for visitors to both El Corte Inglés stores in Palma from December 7th will be the opening of a Santa's Grotto in the centre of each building. It will be the first time that Santa Claus has graced the stores with his presence, and, as is tradition, children will be able to approach Father Christmas with their individual requests for Christmas this year. Kids will also be able to have their photo taken with the iconic figure, an opportunity it is certain they will not want to miss out on! As well as the magnificent nativity scene in El Corte Inglés, other similar cribs and depictions of the famous Christmas scenes will be erected throughout Palma and Majorca in the coming weeks. Palma City Council's crib is always worth a visit, along with any church's offerings.