For centuries people in towns and villages have been making traditional nativity scenes. In the Czech Republic this tradition continues to this day with the figures being produced from, a variety of materials (wood, paper, straw and gingerbread for example). Why not tell your children the story of Jesus’ birth next to an original Czech nativity scene.
The Krýza Nativity Scene – one of a kind
The largest mechanical nativity scene in the world (with 2000 figures), called the Krýza Nativity Scene, has its own entry in the Guinness book of records and can be found in the Jindřichův Hradec District Museum (www.museum.esnet.cz) in Jindřichův Hradec.
A live nativity scene
The nativity scene in Český Krumlov, which appears on the town square in the run-up to Christmas, is also a unique sight. It is made up of living people and animals!
The Nativity Scene Museum in Karlštejn
The Nativity Scene Museum in Karlštejn (www.castlekarlstejn.cz) is situated a few steps down from the Gothic castle of the same name (25km west of Prague). Here visitors can see the largest moving puppet nativity scene in the Czech Republic – the Karlštejn Royal Nativity Scene.
The Třebechovice nativity scene
Another unique nativity scene, this time over a century old and made of wood, can be found in Třebechovice pod Orebem (www.trebechovice.cz).
The Highlands Museum
A fascinating exhibition of nativity scenes can be seen at the Highlands Museum at its branches in Třebíč, nearby Třešť (www.trest.cz) and Telč.
A few tips:
In Třešť several families have traditionally been involved in the creation of nativity scenes. You can see nativity scenes in the museum as well as in the creators’ homes. Their houses are clearly marked with signs, and they will gladly show you their creations on request.
