Crèche

Crèches in the Churches in Avignon

Traditions and folklore, Exhibition, Christmas in Avignon

  • As is the custom in Provence and in the Comtat Venaissin, Christmas crèches are displayed in the churches to celebrate the Nativity. Crèche scenes appeared in Italy in the 13th century. Here in Provence, the crèche scene with the santons represents all the different persons in Provençal society,

  • The crèche was created in Italy in the 13th century, to celebrate the birth of Christ. The original Crèche scene showed the baby Jesus with the Holy Family and the ox and ass, around the manger where the baby lay. Over time, other figures were added, and in the 19th century in Provence, countless santons - little saints - were added to represent the different inhabitants of the Provencal villages, such as the miller, shepherd, drummer (tambourinaïre), wood carrier, fisherman, farmer,...
    The crèche was created in Italy in the 13th century, to celebrate the birth of Christ. The original Crèche scene showed the baby Jesus with the Holy Family and the ox and ass, around the manger where the baby lay. Over time, other figures were added, and in the 19th century in Provence, countless santons - little saints - were added to represent the different inhabitants of the Provencal villages, such as the miller, shepherd, drummer (tambourinaïre), wood carrier, fisherman, farmer, knife-sharpener (rémoulaïre), the village simpleton (lou Ravi), all gathered, with the Mistral wind blowing, around Mary, Joseph and the three Kings.
  • Spoken languages
    • French
Schedules
Schedules
  • From December 14, 2024 until February 2, 2025
    Open Everyday
    * Dates subject to change. Schedules subject to change.
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