The universality of this celebration, the birth of the Messiah, is perfectly illustrated by the Chemin des Crèches, which Théoule sur Mer has been organizing for twelve years, with growing success.
Each year, there is a guest of honor nation. After Russia in 2012, this year it was the Czech Republic with its wooden, glass, and paper nativity scenes. No matter the materials when the craftsman is an artist and brings a soul to the creations.
The Czech nativity scenes are masterpieces. A santon craftsman friend once explained to us: “The santons are important, but the main thing is how they are arranged in the scene.” The various nativity scenes on display at Théoule sur Mer perfectly illustrate this point.
They come from all over the world: China with porcelain figurines, the Philippines with characters made of mother-of-pearl or even pine needles. Italy, the country of nativity scenes with the poverello of Assisi, is well represented, Tuscany or even Naples.
The United States, Peru, and many other countries. It is a journey around the world and a marvel at these artistic and votive creations. The exhibition is taking place everywhere, Théoule has adapted to Christmas time.
The streets, squares, the tourist office, the villa La Paix, the cultural center, and many other places offer visitors the charm and innocence of the nativity scene. Christmas, a time of peace, and the last but also the most symbolic of the nativity scenes: the one from the five continents built for peace in the world.
The event will conclude this Sunday, January 5. So there is still time to catch this magnificent exhibition.
Thierry Jan
