ALICANTE, SPAIN — As the holiday season unfolds across Europe, the southeastern Spanish city of Alicante is once again captivating visitors with a spectacular display that blends faith, art, and sheer monumental scale. The city’s **giant Nativity scene — known locally as El Belén Gigante — has returned to its traditional home in Plaza del Ayuntamiento and is delighting residents and tourists alike with its towering figures that have earned Guinness World Records recognition.
First unveiled in 2020, the Alicante Nativity scene holds the official Guinness World Record for the largest nativity scene figurines in the world. Its extraordinary size and careful craftsmanship have made it a defining symbol of Christmas in the city, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
A Monumental Tribute to Tradition
The centerpiece of the display is the Holy Family — Baby Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph — represented on a scale rarely seen in any other nativity installation globally. According to Guinness World Records, the infant Jesus figure stands 3.32 meters (10 feet 10.7 inches) tall and is about 3.31 meters wide, while Mary measures 10.59 meters (34 feet 8.9 inches) in height. Towering above them is Joseph, whose figure reaches 18.05 meters (59 feet 2.6 inches) high.
For perspective, a person standing at roughly 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches) would barely reach Joseph’s ankle — a fact that astounds many first-time visitors.
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In addition to the Holy Family, the monumental scene includes other biblical figures such as the Three Wise Men — Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar — whose heights range from approximately 11 to 16 meters. Large angel sculptures, each about nine meters tall, are strategically placed throughout the city center to guide visitors toward the main display.
Creation and Construction
The extraordinary installation was designed and constructed by local artist José Manuel García, known as “Pachi,” whose creative vision combines traditional religious imagery with artistic grandeur. Built from light materials such as expanded polystyrene coated with fire-retardant paint and supported by internal iron frameworks, the figures are engineered to withstand winter weather conditions while maintaining their impressive visual impact.
Assembly of the giant figures typically takes several days, with crews working carefully to secure each piece. The resulting display transforms Plaza del Ayuntamiento into a pedestrian-only festive spectacle that becomes a focal point of Alicante’s Christmas celebrations from late November through early January.
Tourism and Community Celebration
Since its inception, the giant nativity scene has become a major draw for both domestic and international visitors. The display is part of a broader Christmas program that includes lights, seasonal markets, and festive events across more than a hundred locations in the city.
Mayor Luis Barcala and local tourism officials have highlighted the nativity scene’s role in boosting Alicante’s winter tourism, offering a unique attraction that complements the city’s Mediterranean climate, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural calendar.
The installation’s return each year also signals a renewal of tradition and community pride, bringing together residents, artists, and visitors in celebration of the holiday season. Special light and sound shows — inaugurated with fanfare in late November — enhance the experience and provide a stunning backdrop for evening strolls through the city center.
More Than a Record, a Symbol of Faith
While the size of Alicante’s nativity scene naturally draws headlines, the deeper significance of the display resonates with many who view it as a contemporary expression of faith and cultural heritage. The tradition of creating nativity scenes dates back to the early 13th century, when Saint Francis of Assisi staged the first living recreation of Christ’s birth in Greccio, Italy — a practice that evolved into artistic representations around the world.
In Alicante, that tradition has taken on grand proportions, blending artistic innovation with religious homage. The monumental figures — visible from across the plaza — evoke a sense of wonder and reflection, inviting viewers to pause and engage with the timeless story of the Nativity freshly and unforgettably.
Looking Forward
As the holidays progress and visitors continue to flock to Alicante, the giant nativity scene is expected to remain one of Europe’s most distinctive Christmas attractions. Whether viewed as a record-breaking feat of scale or a heartfelt celebration of faith, its towering presence is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who come to see it.
