(26 Dec 1999) Spanish/Nat
Measuring 300 square metres and with one thousand 200 clay figures, a Spanish bank is claiming to hold the record for the largest crib in Europe.
For the employees of Bancaja, it's been six years in the making.
Nativity scenes are in important part of Christmas for Spaniards.
The majority of people build them in their homes during the festive period.
Now a Spanish bank has created what is believed to be Europe's largest crib.
Measuring 300 square metres, with 200 clay figures, it has taken staff at Bancaja six years to make.
The nativity scene tells the story of the birth of Jesus, beginning with King Herod hearing of the birth of Jesus and calling for all boys under two years of age born in Bethlehem to be killed.
UPSOUND: (Spanish)
"He was born at the time of King Herod, and Herod ordered his soldiers to do something terrible." (Narrator)
"I order you to assassinate all boys under two years of age." (King Herod)
"And Herod's soldiers carried out the orders." (Narrator)
It shows Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt to escape the murders.
Secretary of the Nativity Association, Mr. Jose Sotillo explained the history of the nativity scene.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"The first nativity scene was recreated by our patron Saint, Saint Francis of Assisi. It is said that in 1223 he
recreated the first nativity scene in Gecho Italy. From then onwards, people have recreated nativity scenes. The Franciscan monks have made nativity scenes in all their monasteries."
SUPERCAPTION: Secretary of the Nativity Association, Mr. Jose Sotillo
Cribs are an important part of Christmas for most Spaniards.
Madrid's main square Plaza Mayor is one of many squares decorated with nativity scenes.
Throughout the holiday, people flock to admire them.
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