Biggest Nativity Scene in Europe opens in Plaza Olivar

What is described as the biggest Nativity Scene in Europe was officially opened last night in a marquee set up next to the Olivar Market. The opening was attended by the Mayor Joan Fageda and other council officials, together with Ramon Rossello, the director of Bancaja who sponsor it and the secretary of the Bank's general council. It was built from the proceeds of the sale of Christmas lottery tickets by Bancaja de Valencia employees. Admission is 500 pesetas for adults and 300 pesetas for children under the age of ten. It took three years to build and has 1'200 figures, in settings which show Nazareth, Bethlehem and Egypt. It has a lake with 1'000 litres of water, the houses are faitful reflections of those of the time, and there are a series of special effects. It was designed by José Luis Català, the figures were made by José Luis Mayo and the electronic effects are the work of José Manuel Tamarit.