Pessebres vivants …. real people acting out Living Nativity Scenes.

“Pessebre” (plural “pessebres”) is the Catalan word for a nativity-crib/scene, a representation of the Nativity Story.

As in many countries around the world, the Catalans have a Christmas tradition of creating a Crib Scene with the Shepherds, Wise Men, Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, a tableau that they will often set up in home or gardens.

In some towns and villages, these Nativity scenes come out onto the streets, life-size, to convey the essence of these festivities

The Tradition

The tradition of living nativity scenes goes back many centuries. While “static” nativity scenes date to medieval times, “pessebres vivents” were popularized in Catalan regions from the 14th century onwards. In fact, in Catalan culture, “el pessebre” is often considered more central to Christmas than the actual Christmas tree. 

Beyond the biblical story, the pessebre often blends sacred and everyday life — including traditional village characters (shepherds, bakers, farmers etc.), to give a broader cultural & folkloric touch to the nativity.

They became popular after the French Revolution of 1789 when churches were closed and Nativity scenes were banned. People started to  “bring religion home” by setting up crèches in their own homes, a tradition previously reserved for the rich.

The leading characters, dressed up in period clothes, take their places in meticulously decorated stage-sets portraying traditional, historical and biblical scenes. Sometimes they will also sing and talk, other times they will just stand/sit without moving!!

The census of the Jews, the difficulties encountered by Joseph and Mary as they looked for somewhere to stay, the Nativity and the coming of the Three Wise Men are among the many portrayals you will be able to witness.

In some of these creations, there will be a commentary and spectacular special effects and lighting.

The “pessebre vivant” tradition remains one of the key expressions of Christmas in the region: part religious devotion, part cultural heritage, part folkloric performance — enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 

A Living Link

El Pessebre is  a living link between religion, history, and local identity. Through “pessebres vivents,” communities preserve their Catalan-Roussillon heritage and pass it on, offering a unique, immersive festive experience — more atmospheric and communal than a simple nativity scene in a church or private home.

It blends solemnity (the Nativity) with popular tradition (village life, local music, folklore), creating a deeply rooted holiday event that appeals across generations.

Just a few Pessebres in the Pyrenees-Orientales 2025 – 2026

A comical addition to this traditional scene is “El caganer“, the statue of a Catalonian peasant with trousers half down, sitting in a ‘toilet’ position and making his small contribution to the land, in order to fertilize and ensure a bumper crop and good luck for the following year!!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAGANER