The living nativity scene in Veneguera began in 1982, when a group of young residents from the neighbourhood, on the night of 24 December, while people were attending midnight mass, prepared a re-enactment of the birth of Jesus in the old square in Mogán.
That same year, it was held in the square in Veneguera, and continued every year except 1984. In 1989, it was decided to change the setting and hold it in a natural location, the Cardonera de Veneguera.
Over the years, new scenes have been added, enriching the nativity scene as a whole, which has grown year after year.
During these years of history, the organisation was run by Mr. Nicolás Afonso until 1996, when, at his request, a committee of young people from the neighbourhood was formed with the aim of making the organisation of the event more manageable and functional, given the magnitude it was reaching.
The nativity scene has gone beyond the purely local sphere to become a manifestation of both cultural and religious traditions, with a projection throughout the island.
Given the magnitude that the nativity scene has acquired year after year, it was necessary to seek institutional support, as otherwise it would be impossible to organise it. For several years now, the Mogán Town Council, through the Department of Culture, has included in its budget an allocation to cover the costs of the nativity scene, as well as collaboration in the adaptation of the area where it is set up, by sending personnel from the Roads and Works Department. We should also mention the contribution of the F.E.D.A.C., which participated in 1996 and 1998 by sending several affiliated craftsmen.
Perhaps this event arose from the need to express religious fervour, linked, at a particular moment in the history of the nativity scene, to the memory of our roots, our past, and all those things that have made us who we are today. Nor should we forget the need for fun, for healthy entertainment, which we all have.
There is also another factor that we could call social, since in the days leading up to the nativity scene there seems to be a resurgence of the old village atmosphere, in which everyone seems to come out of their usual shell, fostering interpersonal relationships in some way.
Nowadays, within the tourist industry, there is another justification that is gaining ground and which could distort the original idea of the nativity scene. We run the risk of the nativity scene becoming a spectacle for the public and nothing else, which would demotivate those involved in its creation and development and prevent them from enjoying “their” nativity scene.
The number of people involved in the event itself is around 200, including a large number of young people. To this number must be added those who participate in the organisation in the weeks leading up to the nativity scene.
The audience that has attended the Canarian nativity scene in previous years is estimated at around 2,500 people, with a growing number of tourists, making it another attractive cultural event. In 1998, this number increased considerably.
The organisation of the nativity scene begins with the first meetings in September, early October 1999, in the Veneguera social and cultural centre. At these meetings, committees are formed to take the first steps: requesting quotes (electricity, buses, music groups, etc.), applying for grants from the Town Council, seeking the collaboration of craftsmen, animal owners, etc.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE EVENT.
The event begins with a mass in the neighbourhood church, with the participation of the Veneguera parranda and people dressed in traditional costumes, who throughout the day have prepared their stalls in the area where the nativity scene will be staged. Once the religious service is over, all the participants, led by Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus and the donkey, and accompanied by the carols of the Veneguera band, move from the church to La Cardonera.
While a folk group entertains the audience at the entrance to the nativity scene, the participants take their places in their various corners. Once all the details have been finalised, the lights along the route are turned on and the audience can begin a journey through our traditions, folklore, crafts, gastronomy… Through this journey, they can see a glimpse of our past, which helps us to remember our origins and strengthen our identity.
The performance at La Cardonera lasts for approximately two hours.
Plan of the different scenes that made up the 2001 Nativity scene.
SCENES FROM THE NATIVITY SCENE.
- Rag pickers.
- Cane basket weaving.
- Pottery.
- Music.
- Wood-fired bakery.
- Cane crafts / seafaring crafts.
- Distribution of chocolate.
- Hand mill.
- Roasting millet.
- Roasting pineapples.
- Music.
- Soup hut.
- Farm, agricultural work.
- Pond.
- Windmill.
- Fruit distribution.
- Coffee roasting.
- Charcoal pit.
- Sheep shearing.
- Corn husking.
- Grain winnowing.
- Coffee distribution.
- Zanga players.
- Darning women.
- Bread roll distribution
- Wood carvers.
- Hats made by female weavers.
- Crochet/weaving.
- Nativity scene.
- Ironing.
- Carpenter.
- Music: Veneguera band.
- Garrote jumping.
- Waterfall.
- Water mill.
- Fountain.
- Mare and foal.
- Tortilla distribution.
- Cheese.
- Whey.
- Farm.
- Beehives.
- Washerwomen.
- Well and water carriers.
- Chicken coop.
- Pigsty.
- Coffee distribution.
- Loom.
The scenes are subject to change, depending on the participation of the people and organisational requirements, and are based on previous years’ events.
FOLKLORE.
The participation of at least three folk groups is envisaged to cover the entire route, depending on the availability of groups to participate in the event.
FOOD.
- Wood-baked bread.
- Chocolate.
- Roasted pine cones.
- Roasted chestnuts.
- Oranges and local fruit.
- Coffee.
- Artisan cheese.
- Whey.
- Gofio.
- Buns.
- Tortillas.
- Herbal teas (lemon grass, pennyroyal, etc.)
INFRASTRUCTURE.
A series of works are planned, ranging from general cleaning of the area to various minor works (building stone bridges over the stream, repairing walls, renovating the railings along the route, which are in a very poor state, etc.) to improve the site and the scenes to be performed. This work will be carried out with the collaboration of the Department of Roads and Works of the Mogán Town Council, which will provide qualified personnel, and with the help of local residents, who will contribute their time and skills. In December 2001, a series of works began to improve the area, but these were halted in January 2002. This leaves us with mixed feelings. On the one hand, we are pleased that La Cardonera will become a recreational area throughout the year, but on the other hand, we are concerned that these works will damage an area with its own identity, such as La Cardonera.