A larger than average nativity scene for one Split family.
The district of Spinut and Teslina St. are home to one of the largest nativity scenes in Split. It has been created by the family of Iva Pavić and covers an area of 10 square metres. The construction process for the nativity scene required many days of hard work. As far as materials and motifs are concerned, there are little stones, light bulbs, moss, elements needed to build low walls, cables, figurines, moveable figures, a mill, a fountain… The nativity scene even includes a real stream, reports Dalmacija News on December 26, 2015.
The whole nativity scene is dominated by caves with shepherds and a large cave with Jesus, Joseph and Mary. The Pavić family has decided to use its beautiful nativity scene to wish everybody in Split and the world a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nativity scene recreations have a long tradition in Croatia. During the Christmas season, they can be seen in churches, on city streets and squares, as well as in many family homes. The first nativity scenes came to Croatia at the beginning of the 17th century. The oldest Croatian nativity scene can be found on the islet of Košljun near the island of Krk. They are the work of an unknown master.
In 2005, Festival of Nativity Scenes and Christmas Customs in Croatia was started in Dubrovnik. Every year, the Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb organizes exhibitions on the topic of Christmas, where many artistic nativity scenes are exhibited, including those made by well-known Croatian artists like Ivan Lacković Croata, Josip Botteri, Kuzma Kovačić and others. Since 1985, Croatian artists have regularly participated at the international exhibition of nativity scenes in Rome, which has a very long tradition.
