“Silent night! Holy night!
everything is sleeping; Lonely wakes up
Only the Holy Couple.
Holder boy in curly hair,
Sleep in heavenly rest!”
Joseph Mohr (1792-1848), 1816
When in Germany the crib is fetched from the attic and lovingly decorated with wooden figures, a glowing Bethlehem star and miniature sheep, many Catalan villages have been preparing for just a single crib for almost a whole year. No wooden figures are used, no, everything has to be real, lively – including ox and donkey. Nobody can shy away, every inhabitant is assigned a role, from the very youngest to the elders.
Bàscara
The best-known Pessebre Vivent has been in Bàscara at Figueres. One of the most beautiful living cribs is the Pessebre Vivent in pals, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. In 1987, a group of young people organized a small nativity play for the first time.
Spurred on the success of their performance, they provided a bigger spectacle every year and today attract almost 10,000 visitors. Every year, more than 300 actors, organizers and technicians are involved in transforming the old town into a very special Christmas production. Their medieval town center is the perfect backdrop for the event.
Paul
Already in the 9th century the place “palus“ Mentioned in chronicles, at that time on a hill surrounded by swamp areas. Its impressive walls were built around the 13th century, especially the “Torre de Les Hores’ today’s landmark of the city.
We feel transported to the Palestine from 2000 years ago between ancient walls in the torchlight. Angels float in the olive tree. the saints Three Kings arrived and brought gifts. Joseph and Mary weigh the baby Jesus. In the alleys, flax is spun, bread is baked, forged, cobbled, sewn and cooked. chickens cackling. geese chatter. horses whinnying. market screams. Colorful hustle and bustle at night. We visitors make a pilgrimage to the baby Jesus and let ourselves be enchanted by this walk through the Christmas story in front of a venerable backdrop.
All Christmas stress of the 21st century is forgotten. History and tradition, legend and myth, opulence and poverty, people and animals, men and women, kings and vassals, commerce and religion, reverence and exuberant celebrations – Pals puts us in the middle of the most grandiose history of the West.
If you want to enjoy Pals and the beautiful surroundings for a few days longer, mas salvi Recommended to an exclusive hotel surrounded by forests and meadows. The Catalan 17th century homestead has been lovingly renovated recently and now offers 22 exclusive suites, all of which have a private terrace and direct access to the garden.
On New Year’s Eve, a lavish party with gala dinner and live music will be celebrated in the in-house restaurant. Find out more at: www.massalvi.com.
More: Medieval time travel in Catalonia – Pals, White Summer Festival in Pals.
