Crèches in Avignon

- From Thursday 26 November 2009 to Tuesday 02 February 2010

Crèches in Avignon

26 November 2009 to 2 February 2010 Starting in late November, and through to 2 February, in keeping with the custom in Provence and in the Comtat Venaissin, crèche scenes are displayed in the churches in Avignon and elsewhere in secular spaces to celebrate the Nativity. Crèches were created in Italy in the 13th century, to evoke the birth of Christ, with oxen and a donkey around the Manger. The scene developed in the 19th century in Provence to include "little saints" - the santons - who represent the different figures from Provencal communities - the miller, the shepherd and shepherdess, drummer, wood carrier, fishermen, farmers, knife sharpener ... lou Ravi and others, around Mary, Joseph and the Three Kings.
. The crèche at the Town Hall, from 26 November to 2 January, can be seen every day in the lobby. 9:30 am to 7 pm. Very large, created and made by the Marcel Carbonel studios from Marseille. The santons are terra cotta, decorated by hand. Each santon is unique. There are 600 santons installed in a Provencal landscape decor, with scrubland, vineyards, olive groves, hilltop villages, the river ... Next to the crèche, a display of the Christmas table in a Provencal farmhouse, with mannequins dressed in traditional costume. Free entrance.
. At the Palais du Roure, in the chapel. The Palais du Roure is devoted to Provencal traditions. Starts on 12 December and goes to 9 January, closed holidays. Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 12, 2 to 5:30. See a crèche scene with painted terra cotta santons made by Jean-Marie Fontanille from Pujaut. The setting is by Jean-Victor Moureau. The group L'Estello d'Avignoun welcomes visitors and presents the Provence Christmas traditions around the Christmas table prepared for the Gros Souper with the 13 desserts. EVery afternoon. In the honour staircase, a crèche with santons from the museum's collections.
. Most of the churches in Avignon present crèche scenes which can be seen during the churches' opening hours and during times of worship. At Notre Dame des Doms basilica, the oldest crèche, with santons from the 19th century, in wax. Every day from 21 December, 7:30 to 6 pm, including Sunday, in the 1st chapel on the left. St-Agricol Church: crèche from 1830 (historical figures including Elzéar Genet), and modern santons in wax by the Carmelite nuns from Avignon. St-Pierre Church: cardboard santons from 1830 and modern santons made of wax by the Carmelite nuns from Avignon. St-Didier church: santons made by Carbonnel. St-Symphorien-les Carmes church: 17th century wax santons.

Place of the event
Différents lieux dans la ville

84000 AVIGNON
Contact
Tel. : 33 (0)4 32 74 32 74
information@ot-avignon.fr
www.avignon-tourisme.com