One of the most popular Spanish traditions in the Christmas season is the decoration of homes, churches and public or private organisations with nativity scenes. During the festivities, Madrid is filled with different types of nativity scenes which can be visited by tourists and residents of Madrid free of charge.
A must visit is the popular nativity scene by José Luis Mayo Lebrija at the Cibeles Palace CentroCentro, headquarters of the City Council. It consists of various hand-made pieces which tell the best-known stories about the Mystery, along with some other less well-known ones.
The Royal Palace also showcases its creche, a Neapolitan Nativity Scene which is based on the Little Prince, begun by Charles III for his son, Charles IV. It is made up of more than 200 Neapolitan, Genovese and Spanish figures which date from the 18th to the 21st century.
The Madrid History Museum displays an exquisite 18th century Neapolitan Nativity Scene, which represents one of the most valuable scenes at the Museum. 50 pieces form part of an oriental scene and reflect the courtier spirit of the Baroque culture.
The headquarters of the Community of Madrid, in the heart of the Puerta del Sol, presents its famous Nativity Scene, which pays tribute to King Charles III, whilst the Royal Foundation monasteries (La Encarnación, Las Descalzas Reales and the Royal Convent of Santa Isabel) display their Nativity Scenes during the festive season.
An itinerary designed by the City Council can be followed with over 30 Nativity Scenes on display in various churches around the city, including Almudena Cathedral, as well as at cultural centres and other organisations:
Program 2019-2020:
- Barajas Municipal Council Nativity Scene. Villa de Barajas Botica Cultural Centre, 10. From 13 Dec to 7 Jan.
- San Vicente de Paúl Church. Plaza de San Vicente de Paúl, 1. From 8 Dec to 6 Jan.
- Santa Teresa Jornet Home. Duquesa Tamames, 8. From 1 Dec to 12 Jan.
- Santa María la Real de la Almudena Metropolitan Cathedral. Bailén, 10. From 25 Dec to 13 Jan (Closed: 25 and 31 Dec)
- San Ginés Royal Church Nativity Scene. Arenal, 13. From 14 Dec to 12 Jan.
- Corpus Christi "Carboneras" Corpus Christi Convent. Plaza Conde de Miranda, 1. From 6 Dec to 8 Jan.
- Brotherhood of Silence. Atocha, 87 bis. From 2 Dec to 5 Jan (Closed: 24, 25 and 31 Dec, and 1 Jan).
- Borriquita Brotherhood of Madrid. Fuencarral, 44. From 14 Dec to 10 Jan.
- San Andrés Apóstol Royal Church. Plaza de San Andrés, 1., Permanent exhibition.
- Pontificia de San Miguel Basilica. San Justo, 4. From 17 Dec to 19 Jan.
- Virgen Milagrosa Basilica. García Paredes, 45. From 18 Dec to 12 Jan.
- Santísimo Cristo de la Victoria Church. Fernando el Católico, 45. From 24 Dec to 30 Jan.
- XX Nativity Scenes Competition. Schoolchildren from La Latina. Paco de Lucía Auditorium and Exhibition Hall. Av. de las Águilas, 2-A. From 19 Dec to 7 Jan.
- Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días Church. Temple, 2. From 2 Dec to 5 Jan.
- Puente de Vallecas Disttrict Nativity Scene. Avenida Albufera, 42 (outside the Puente de Vallecas Municipal Council). From 30 Nov to 6 Jan.
- National Museum of Decorative Arts. Montalbán, 12. Nativity Scenes from the Museum. From 21 Dec to 6 Jan (Closed: Mondays and 1 and 6 Jan).
- San José and Santa Ana Monastery. Barefoot Carmelites. General Aranaz, 58. From 8 Dec to 7 Jan.
- Daroc Centre for the Elderly. Av. Daroca, 344. From 16 Dec to 7 Jan.
- El Almendro Centre for the Elderly. Ladera de los almendros, 6. From 16 Dec to 7 Jan.
- Plaza de Chamberí Temple. Plaza de Chamberí. From 9 Dec to 6 Jan.
- Galileo Cultural Centre. Galileo, 39. From 9 Dec to 6 Jan.
- Our Lady Virgen de la Torre Association. Puerto Lumbreras, 40. From 10 Dec to 10 Jan.
- Nativity Scene of the Juana Francés Hall at the Municipal Council of Tetuán. From 2 Dec to 6 Jan.
- San Juan de Dios Shelter. Herreros de Tejada, 3. From 10 Dec to 12 Jan.
- San Isidro Museum. The Origins of Madrid. Plaza de San Andrés, 2. From 11 Dec to 21 Jan. (Closed: Mondays and 24, 25 and 31 Dec and 1 and 6 Jan).
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