The usual and often controversial nativity scene in Barcelona's Sant Jaume square changes format this year, and will take shape through a luminous 20-point star with a nine-meter diameter. Named Origen and weighing 2.5 tons, the piece aims to transport viewers to the origin of the universe and the transformation of darkness into light and energy.
The structure, made of iron, methacrylate, and LED light, is an artistic creation by architect and artist Xevi Bayona and digital creator Àlex Posada, and will dominate the Sant Jaume landscape from November 29 to January 5, accompanied by an original soundtrack. The installation has been designed with an artistic and symbolic vocation, with the aim of inviting reflection on the origin of everything and on natural cycles.
The star will do so in all its splendor at night. From 6:30 PM to 10 PM, every half hour the square will become the setting for an immersive audiovisual show, in which the star will play a leading role. Attendees will be able to connect their mobile phones to the live sound of the installation, and will be able to listen to it from their devices.
This year, the Carruatges courtyard of the City Council will host the traditional nativity scene of the Associació de PessebristesFor the first time, the installation is part of a collaboration between the City Council and the Generalitat, and light reflections from the star will be projected onto their facades, which will also share the same ornamentation. Thus, both institutions have opted this time to offer a unified setting,starring this monumental star.
Despite the star's prominence, lovers of traditional nativity scenes will not have to go far to observe the figures of the nativity. The Carruatges courtyard of the City Council will host this year the great traditional nativity scene of the Associació de Pessebristes, which is moved from the Museu Marès, where it was installed until now. This year's nativity scene will be marked by a maritime atmosphere, as it draws from a double inspiration: the America's Cup, and the centenary of the poet Joan Salvat-Papasseit, who worked at the Moll de la Fusta. The traditional nativity scene, eight meters long and four meters deep, can also be visited from November 29 to January 5, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
In addition, the Generalitat will offer two open days, during which visitors can access spaces usually reserved, which exchange closed doors for Christmas elements. The open days are scheduled for the weekend of December 14 and 15 between 12 and 8 p.m. for the most emblematic spaces of the Palau, while from December 16 to 20, access to the Pati Gòtic will be available between 5 and 9 p.m. to see the tió, fir trees, and another nativity scene from the Associació de Pessebristes de Barcelona.