The XX National Nativity Scene Competition “Christmas is Jesus” continues to fascinate dozens of visitors in Lima, the capital of Peru, with it’s cultural, artistic and spiritual richness. This competition, which brings together the best works of artisans from all over the country, already has its five finalists.
The five works,selected from 47 unique entries,reflect not only the creativity of their authors,but also a deep devotion and love for Baby Jesus across generations.
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1. “Miraculous Christmas in my city Quinua” – Denisse Sánchez Aparicio (Ayacucho)
“Miraculous Christmas in my town of Quinua.” credit: ICTYS
Denisse Sánchez Aparicio, an important artisan from the Quinua district, Ayacucho department, in the southern mountains of Peru, describes her work as a tribute to her community and the traditions that marked her childhood.
“I wanted to capture in my birth the saints of the church of Quinua, such as the Virgin of Cocharcas and the Child Manuelito, who are an essential part of our celebrations,” he said in an interview with ACI Prensa. his birth includes three scenes inspired by emblematic places, such as the Condorcunca hill and the archaeological complex of Wari.
Denisse shared the central message of her work: “I want to convey that we must not let the traditions that fill us with faith and hope be lost. “Christmas is not just a date, it is a reminder of the peace and happiness that Jesus brings us.”
He also highlighted how the engobe burnishing technique allows the beauty of the ceramic details to be highlighted: “Each character brings with them a story, like the devotees of my town who are no longer with us, but whose faith remains alive in our traditions”.
2. “Long-awaited Christmas in Q’eros” – Ángela Sierra Casanova (Cusco)
“The long-awaited Christmas in Q’eros.” Credit: ICTYS
Ángela Sierra Casanova saves with her work the traditions of the Q’eros nation, one of the ancient cities of the Tawantisuyo or inca Empire
the birth reflects the union “between the Catholic religion and our Andean roots”, he explained to ACI Prensa. The central characters are a family of Q’eros, representing the Holy Family, accompanied by musicians, shepherds and offerings from all regions of Peru.
Angela underlines the importance of faith in her work: «The love of Baby Jesus is present in every family, even the most humble and remote one. “This is what I wanted to express, that He always comes accompanied by music, enthusiasm and love.”
The technique used combines acrylic paint, pressed cardboard, wire and enamel finishes, achieving a visual effect that highlights the expressions and details of each figure.
3. “Peasant birth” – Genoveva Núñez Herrera (Cusco)
“Peasant birth”. Credit: ICTYS
Genoveva Núñez Herrera, an elderly Peruvian woman, presented a birth inspired by her childhood and the nature that surrounded her in the heights of Ollantaytambo, Cusco.
“I wanted to capture the connection between nature and divine work,” Genoveva explained to ACI Prensa. “The holy Spirit, the angels, the flowers and the celestial colors that represent the cold of the heights reflect how God is present in all that he has created.”
The craftsman used traditional techniques, such as mixing chalk with blanched potatoes and natural pigments. «Every detail is taken care of with faith and love, becuase for me having this birth is like being present among the people, with that enthusiasm of going to see Baby Jesus», she adds excitedly.
Genoveva also dedicates this work to her late husband, the master craftsman Jesús Urbano Rojas: “He taught me everything I know. This birth is a thank you to God and my husband for everything they have given me.”
4. “The star shines in the jungle” – Feriberto Aylas (Ayacucho)
“The star shines in the jungle.” Credit: ICTYS
Feriberto Aylas brings to the final a birth that celebrates the richness of the Peruvian jungle. In his work, the animals surrounding the Baby Jesus, he tried to reflect a message of harmony and reconciliation.
“The jungle has been my home for many years and I wanted to convey that experience in my work. Every animal,every detail,speaks of divine creation and how faith can unite even opposites,” Feriberto told ACI Prensa.
The craftsman uses traditional Quinoa clay and matting and high temperature firing techniques.“The faith I transmit is that even in our differences, like good and bad animals, we can find unity and peace in god,” he says.
5. “A happy meeting” – silvia Huamán Loa (lima)
“A happy meeting.” credit: ICTYS
Silvia Huamán loa’s work is made of canvas, a technique that combines fabric and sewing to create scenes full of color and life.
“I wanted to represent that magical moment of the family reunion around the birth of Jesus. It is a call to return to love and unity,which are gifts from God,” Silvia explained to ACI Prensa.
In his work, each figure is made from recycled materials and reflects the cultural diversity of Peru. “Faith is the common thread of my birth.It is that hope that pushes us to believe in a better tomorrow,” he concluded.
Diego López Marina
I was born in 1991. I have a degree in Communication Sciences. Sence 2015 I have been working as a digital journalist. I started my career at the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio. In 2016 I started as an editor at ACI Prensa and since 2018 I have been working as a web editor. I have been writing the social media newsletter since 2024. I specialize in Catholic news focused on defense of life and family, international politics, technology, popular culture and the Vatican.
How do Peruvian nativity scenes reflect the contry’s cultural diversity and local traditions?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Artisan Expert on the XX National Nativity Scene Competition
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! today, we are excited to have with us an expert in Peruvian artisan culture and the meaning of nativity scenes. We’re going to delve into the XX National Nativity Scene competition, “Christmas is Jesus,” happening in Lima. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a meaningful tradition.
Editor: Let’s start with the competition itself.It has captivated many visitors with its rich cultural, artistic, and spiritual themes. What makes this event so special in the context of Peruvian culture?
Expert: This competition is not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a profound expression of faith and community.It brings together artisans from all over Peru, showcasing their dedication to preserving cultural traditions and their deep devotion to Baby Jesus. Each nativity scene tells a unique story, reflecting local customs and beliefs.
Editor: I understand there were 47 unique entries this year,and five finalists have been selected.Can you tell us about some of these works and what they represent?
Expert: Absolutely! For instance, Denisse Sánchez Aparicio’s “Miraculous Christmas in my city Quinua” beautifully captures the essence of her community through intricate scenes that pay homage to the saints of her local church. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditions and the joy that Christmas represents.
Editor: That’s captivating! I love how she incorporates local symbols and traditions into her work. What about the entry from Ángela Sierra Casanova, titled “Long-awaited Christmas in Q’eros”?
Expert: Ángela’s piece is remarkable as it merges Andean heritage with Catholic celebration.It features a Q’eros family embodying the Holy Family, surrounded by musicians and symbols from all over peru. This blend of spirituality with cultural identity highlights the inclusivity of faith across diverse backgrounds.
Editor: It’s amazing how these artisans reflect both their religious beliefs and cultural narratives through their art. Speaking of narratives, I’ve heard about Genoveva Núñez Herrera’s piece called “Peasant Birth.” What significance does this work hold?
Expert: Genoveva’s work is especially poignant. As an elderly artisan, her piece resonates with themes of humility and the agrarian lifestyle that’s so prevalent in many Peruvian communities. Her nativity scene speaks to the simplicity of faith and the beauty of rural life. It’s a reminder of the blessings brought by Jesus in a deeply personal and communal context.
Editor: These artistic expressions are so powerful. What do you think the impact of such competitions is on the artisans and the wider community?
Expert: These competitions foster a renewed sense of community and cultural pride. They encourage artisans to share their craft and stories while connecting diffrent generations. Additionally, they help raise awareness of the importance of these traditions, ensuring they are carried on for future generations.
Editor: It truly seems like this event is a celebration of both art and heritage! How do you see the future of nativity scenes and similar traditions in an ever-changing world?
expert: While the world may change rapidly, I beleive the core values that nativity scenes represent—faith, family, and community—will always resonate with people.As long as artisans continue to share their stories through their work, these traditions will endure. The challenge, however, will be adapting and integrating modern techniques while preserving the essence of these rich cultural narratives.
Editor: Thank you for those insights! Before we wrap up, is there a message you woudl like to share with our readers about appreciating such art forms?
Expert: Indeed! I encourage everyone to appreciate the stories behind these artworks. Each nativity scene is a labor of love, steeped in history and cultural significance. Supporting these artisans not only preserves tradition but also enriches our understanding of the diverse tapestry of faith and creativity in our world.
Editor: Thank you so much for your time and expertise today! Your insights bring us closer to understanding the beauty and significance of the nativity scenes in Peruvian culture.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such a beautiful tradition.