Belén Bancaja

El Belén tells the story of the birth of Jesus and it starts more than 2000 years ago. This is due to the fact that this story begins some years before Jesus was born with Mary and Joseph, who were not married at the time, in Nazareth. It continues in Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to Jesus and it finishes in Egypt, where they had to flee to avoid Herod’s threat.

Nazareth is the first scene of El Belén. It shows daily life routines and the most relevant facts and characters: Joseph’s carpentry, Mary’s fountain, and the disclosure of the Census and the announcement of The Good News.

Bethlehem is the second part. Joseph and Mary are obligedto leave Nazareth because of Herod’s disclosure. Mary, who is due in a few days, and Joseph approach the Gate of Bethlehem. The city of Jerusalem has been divided by walls to protect the temple and the palace of Herod. Daily scenes such as: the laundry, a shepherd with his flock, some children playing…  They all are the prelude to the stable, the main scene of El Belén. Shepherds, Wise Men, the Angel who announces The Good News, they all are the final scene of this part.

Egyptis the last scene and it starts with showing Joseph, Mary and Jesus resting under two big palm trees next to the Beduin shops, safe and well from Herod who had ordered to kill Jesus.

The following scenes are: the port of Egypt, the ships, the silos, the pyramids and the characteristic landscape with the river Nile.

In summary, this is a great piece of work, let’s call it sculptural, created in order to help us to remember the story of the birth of Jesus.