A belén is a nativity scene, the typical type with a manger, the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and often other characters such as shepherds, sheep, and angels.
What many of you might not know that not far from Murcia is a small village, which every year does something very special. More than 100 neighbours invest a lot of work and time into becoming a living nativity scene.
You will find the “Belén Viviente” in El Raal village (see here ….El Raal) on the days of 25, 26, 30 of December, and the 1st and 6th of January.
There you will find tiny houses, agricultural small areas, even a pond, wood-fired ovens and several areas with people displaying country crafts. The intention is to show old-style country life, how they baked bread, harvested food, cared for the animals and how they dressed, as well as having a living nativity scene.
This is a wonderful day out for children, very inexpensive (only a very small charge) and full of things for them to marvel at, taste and smile at. You will often be offered a small drink, a snack, sweets and definitely to show you how something is woven, carved or cooked. The costumes are all amazing and the children may find themselves feeding animals or riding a donkey.
The Belén is open 11 am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. It really is a lovely day out for January 1st or the 6th, for all of the family. Highly recommended.