Although tradition regards San Francisco of Assisi as the creator of what are nowadays known Christmas nativity scenes, these cribs originate in 12th century Italy where the oldest known example can be found, created by the architect Arnoldo di Cambio for the Duomo in Florence. A part of it can still be seen in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.� Since then, the tradition of setting up a crib in churches has developed to include other biblical episodes such as the Annunciation and the Adoration of the Three Kings.

In the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in the second half of the 18th century, the realisation of Christmas nativity scenes reached its apogee, finding its way into the Court and the homes of the nobility and high bourgeoisie. In Spain, Charles III promoted what the Italians call presepi, followed by Fernand IV and Charles IV. As time passed, the tradition found its way into all homes.

Nativity figures
Traditionally the crib is put up on Christmas Eve and is taken down after the Three Kings celebration. Although the indispensable figures are Joseph, the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus, you can include as many as you wish, although some are more popular than others. The first step is choosing the ideal spot to place the crib. Normally a bed of moss is spread underneath the Nativity figures. Then, the everyday figures are placed to one side, the manger and the Adoration in the centre and, on the other side, the shepherds.

Most of the nativity scenes try to represent the characters in period clothing and the animals and surrounding countryside in a similarly realistic fashion. Finding an angel and a Bethlehem star above the manger is common; a seated Virgin Mary a standing Joseph watching over a playful baby in the crib; the mule, the ox, women with baskets and pitchers, feeding animals or just washing clothes in the river (that can be made with shiny paper); children playing with their families, sleeping shepherds or with sheep on their shoulders; farmers working their land, a blacksmith in the forge, a fisherman by the river; some animals such as chickens, pigs or grazing sheep.

Other elements such as houses, inns, windmills, watermills, ruins or a bridge are also common and, in between the indispensable Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar arriving with their gifts, alongside their three stooges and their camels. To give them a wintry aspect you can sprinkle on some flour and make them more festive-looking. All this can be accompanied by coloured lights and festive carols to create a magic that doesn't age over the years.

The material to make the figures
The figures (usually measuring 30-35 centimetres), can be made of various materials such as clay, wood and glass. They can also be made to move when created with a framework covered in burlap, limbs carved from wood and the head modelled in clay.

The search for authenticity means that these figures are often decorated with glass eyes and realistic period clothing such as shepherds in sheepskin jackets, men with long coats and silk waistcoats, peasants, gypsies, Turks etc. A varied display of popular costumes is thus achieved.

Collectors' items
Over the years the nativity figures have become true collectors' items even though they are displayed for just a few days a year. The collectors try to add some figures every year to extend their nativity scene and make it as complete and realistic as possible. Some make them by hand but the majority buy them in specialised stores or in the markets that are set up in Spain's city centres during the Christmas period. Some of the more well known are:
- Plaza Mayor of Madrid: During the month of December Madrid's main square is filled up with the traditional Christmas stalls selling the figures you need to create your nativity scene.
- Pamplona: The Christmas stalls winding along Pamplona's central streets also give you the opportunity to buy the main nativity figures.