Mexico Nacimientos By Suzanne Barbezat Suzanne Barbezat Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/26/19 Nativity scenes, called "nacimientos" in Spanish, are an important part of Mexican Christmas traditions. I am always amazed by the creativity that goes into constructing these elaborate scenes, and the variety of materials that are used to create them. Here are some photos of nacimientos. This Mexican nativity scene is made with dried flowers, which are known as flor inmortal, "immortal flower" or siempre viva, "always alive". This nacimiento was on display at the Noche de Rabanos radish festival in Oaxaca. See more photos from the Night of the Radishes. 01 of 11 Nativity Bowl © Suzanne Barbezat This nacimiento (nativity scene) by ceramicist Irene Aguilar Alcantara depicts the figures in the nativity scene around a bowl. Continue to 2 of 11 below. 02 of 11 Tin Nativity Scene © Suzanne Barbezat This nacimiento is made of tin. It was displayed in the Zocalo of Oaxaca City. Continue to 3 of 11 below. 03 of 11 A Nativity Scene in Levels © Suzanne Barbezat This elaborate nativity scene with several different levels was set up in the lobby of a hotel. Continue to 4 of 11 below. 04 of 11 Nacimiento with Piñata © Benito Hernandez This nativity scene with a piñata hanging above it was on display at the Palacio Nacional, the National Palace in Mexico City. Like nacimientos, piñatas are also an important part of Mexican Christmas celebrations. Continue to 5 of 11 below. 05 of 11 Clay Nativity Scene © Suzanne Barbezat I think this is my favorite nacimiento of those in this photo gallery, although I find it amusing that the baby Jesus is out of proportion to the other figures in the scene - he's the only one who fits in the stable! Continue to 6 of 11 below. 06 of 11 A Traditional Nacimiento © Suzanne Barbezat I found this nativity scene set up outside Teotihuacan archaeological site. Continue to 7 of 11 below. 07 of 11 Patio Nativity Scene © Suzanne Barbezat The large ceramic figures in this nativity scene are about two and a half feet tall. The nativity scene takes up most of the patio of a historical building in Oaxaca. Continue to 8 of 11 below. 08 of 11 Three Folk Art Nativity Scenes Photo by Ivan Hernández, licensed under Creative Commons In this photo you can see three different nativity scenes made from different materials. You can also see the Mexican Christmas flower, poinsettia, the Flor de Nochebuena. Continue to 9 of 11 below. 09 of 11 Nacimiento © Suzanne Barbezat This is a small section of a huge nativity scene that was set up in a Mexican hotel lobby. Continue to 10 of 11 below. 10 of 11 3 Kings Christmas Lights It's not a full nativity scene, but I like the three kings shown in Christmas lights. These were part of the elaborate Christmas decorations in the Mexico City Zocalo one year. See more photos of the Mexico City Zocalo at Christmas. Continue to 11 of 11 below. 11 of 11 Miniature Nacimiento © Suzanne Barbezat This miniature nacimiento is very elaborate with flowing water and a bridge. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email