Mexican centre features special nativity scene

With the mass marketing of Santa Claus and the commercialization of Christmas, the true meaning of the holiday is often lost. But many places, including some parts of Mexico, are still affirming the traditional celebration. Marion Ali has more.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The display, “El Nacimiento”, currently on at the Mexican Cultural Institute, consists of over eighty models made from papier-mâché. Cultural Attaché at the Mexican Embassy, Guillermo Gutierrez, explains the exhibit depicts the well-known story surrounding the birth of Christ.

Guillermo Gutierrez, Mexican Cultural Attaché

“We use the principal figurines, Joseph, Mary and pilgrims, the three kings for example, and we organize posadas… So when you arrive to that house you have posadas singing. After you sing for a little while, the person in that house open the door and you come with the pilgrims. You put them some special place and you pray a little bit and after that you can do a kind of a party with piñatas, and with traditional foods typical during this season.”

The collection’s creator, Irma Mancera, started working on the creation since childhood, and before she died donated it to the Museo de la Cultura Maya in Chetumal.

Marion Ali for News 5.

Members of the public can view the display Friday, as well as next Monday and Tuesday at the Mexican Cultural Institute on the Barracks.