Nativity scenes depict Jesus’ birth with small figures such as Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus. Building and displaying nativity scenes forms part of the Christmas liturgy in many countries (Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Latin America and the United States), especially in the Catholic tradition.

Nativity scenes are mounted before Christmas, traditionally on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, with Mary and Joseph as the main figures surrounded by traditional shepherds, oxen mules, sand, palm trees, rivers and even snow. The figure of the Baby Jesus is added on Christmas Eve and the Magi are incorporated on January 6.

The origin of this Christmas tradition dates back to the thirteenth century, when a living re-enactment of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth was staged in a town in Italy, sometime between 1200 and 1226. From thereon in, the Church saw to it that nativity scenes were mounted in churches, homes or public places to strengthen faith and devotion.

The monumental nativity scene of the Convent of the Caputxines is the oldest nativity scene on the island. It is located in Palma de Mallorca and was declared cultural heritage. It is also interesting to walk around the Christmas and handicraft markets in Plaça Mayor selling thousands of figures and decorations for nativity scenes and Christmas trees.

You will find a large number of Nativity scenes on public display. One of the largest Belén setups can be admired at the Claustro de Sant Antoniet, in Carrer de Sant Miquel, one of the oldest ones (the Belén La Sang) in Plaza Hospital, one of the most popular ones at the Cort (Ayuntamiento) in Palma’s Plaza Cort and one of the most impressive ones, for the beauty of its figurines, at the Palau Reial (Palau March) in Calle Conquistador.

Hot Couture Xisco Caimari and Tolo Crespi have turned Mallorcan fashion into a synonym for quality, creativity and a modern, international approach. The second generation of Mallorcan designers are either already crouched in the starting blocks, or well in the race. The best places to get this unique Mallorcanquin look, which nobody can compete with at home, are found around the Calle Jaime III and the Ramblas.

Look out for:

Cortina, Ca’n Sprer, 1, just off the Jaime III in a small side street. Beautiful fabrics and flowing cuts.

Xisco Caimari, Calle Protectora, 7, also off Jaime III. Grand dresses for unique occasions.

Tolo Crespi, just off the Ramblas, Calle Ca’n Danes, 1. Classic lines, feminine fashion made of linen, silk and velvet.

José Miro, Ramblas 15. This creative young designer and close friend to Cortina has already won fans amongst Hollywood celebrities, attracted to his feminine and creative style.

Hot Pants Lingerie goes with fashion and Palma has a wide selection of boutiques with the most attentive staff, international labels and surprisingly competitive prices. Watch out for the Spanish labels like Calzedonia or Intimissimi, which offer monthly changing collections in their high street shops. Best places to shop are the boutiques on Jaime III and the old town of Palma, where you will find anything from La Perla, Lacroix, Christies or Nolita Lace.

For all of you looking for Christmas presents or nice ways to decorate your home, please pass by to have a look at our Christmas-Collection!

C/ Dels Pagesos 14 (between Camper and Lidl) 07300 Inca

T:0034 971 502 822

www.dasdepot.com

Look younger this Christmas

A younger-looking face could be yours this festive season, with some Christmas Specials offered by plastic surgeon Dr José Garcia Ceballos MD FCCPb, of the Mallorca Medical Group:

Botox (1 vial of Vistabel equivalent to full face treatable areas) – 299€

Filler (per 1ml equivalent to treatment of nose to mouth lines) – 299€

Botox and filler (1 vial of Vistabel equivalent to full face treatable areas and per 1ml of filler equivalent to treatment of nose to mouth lines) – 499€

These Christmas Specials are valid until December 23, 2009.

Dr. José I. García Ceballos MD FCCPb
Tel/Fax: +34 971 254 686
dr.garcia@doctors.org.uk
www.mallorcamedicalgroup.com

Saturday, November 14   

La Paz Dressage, S’Aranjassa

Entrance free and plenty of on-site parking.

Refreshments will be available for sale.

                   

The abcClub and abcBusiness Club Christmas Party

On December 4, in the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, we will celebrate our first Christmas party

for all members of abcClub and abcBusiness Club.  So come and join us for what is sure to be the best party of the season.

Date:               Friday, December 4, 2009

Venue:            The five-star prestigious Castillo Hotel Son Vida

Capacity:        150 guests

Price: 30€ per person including cava on arrival, 3-course lunch including wine and water and  lots more . . .

5€ per person will be donated to children’s charities on the island.

                             Season’s greetings from the team at abcMallorca!

Law of Attraction & Alchemy Seminar

Save 80€ if you sign up before November 15 for a place on an exciting seminar that could change your life. Learn how to understand and use the powerful Law of Attraction that is the foundation of financial and physical wellbeing.  You´ll discover how to develop your inner guidance system and rediscover the real secret that lies within each of us.

The seminar is led by Nicolás Nobile, internationally acclaimed lecturer and author of the book ´Nine Powers to Transform Your Life´.

Date: Saturday, November 21 from 16.00 to 22.00 hrs.

Place: Onda Vital Wellness, c/Martin Boneo 31, Palma

For more information telephone Gustavo Cabagna on +34 971 897 048 or 608 067 542

Feng Shui Consultant Certification Seminar

A new career could await you!  This Feng Shui Consultant Certification Seminar would normally cost 2,500€ but reserve your place before November 15 and you´ll get a discount of 1,900€ – an incredible offer!  All material is included and the seminar will be taught both in Spanish and English with simultaneous translation.

Date: Thursday 19 and Friday 20 from 10.00-19.00 hrs, followed by six month course of online continued education.

Place: Onda Vital Wellness, c/Martin Boneo 31, Palma

Cost:   600€

For more information telephone Gustavo Cabagna on +34 971 897 048 or 608 067 542

Sant Antoni Abat

Antoni Abat was an Egyptian monk who lived in teh desert and resisited temptation from the devil ( disguised as a woman) by walking across burning embers to take his mind off lustful thoughts. Centuries ago, Mallorca was blighted by ergot, a poisonous fungus that attacked rye crops; believing it to be the work of the devil, the locals decided to ward off evil spirits with fire, like the monk. Every year, on the eve of the saint’s day, effigies are burnt on bonfires in towns and villages all over Mallorca; people take to the streets for ‘torrades’ or barbecues, and sing traditional songs- some rather rique- about the saint.

He’s the patron saint of animals (particulary pigs) and the following morning, Mallorcans take their animals to be blessed by the local priest. Larger villages and towns usually have colourful parades, with traditional music. The most famous ones take place in Sa Pobla, Arta and Pollenca.                                                                                                                           

Saturday 16th bonfires and ‘torrades’ and Sunday 17th animal blessing across Mallorca

International carol service

Palma’s beautiful cathedral is the setting for the popular annual International Carol Service. The service includes a performing of the haunting ‘Cant de la Sibil-la’, which dates back to the 10th centruy and has traditionally been sung on Mallorca on Christmas Eve since the time of King Jaume’s 1 conquest in 1229. By the time you’ve sung some of your favorite carols, you’re guaranteed to be feeling festive!

Sunday December 6th at 17.00hrs. Free entrance, but a collection is taken.

La Seu- Palma Cathedral

Georgie Insull Singers’ Christmas Concert

This group of talented women has been singing together since 2000 and became the Georgie Insull Singers in 2002. They’ve sung all over the island at weddings, on Mediterranean cruises, and perform three special concerts each year at the Anglican Church in Palma. Their Christmas Concert is always a sell-out, featuring both carols and popular Christmas songs and a chance to sing-along.

Friday December 11th at 20.00hrs. Entrance 10Euros ( including wine and mince pies).

St.Philip&St.James Kirche, Son Armadans, Palma

Tel. 0034 971 737 279

Choral concert

If you want to feel a little more festive, the Teatro Principal Choir’s Christmas Concert, under the direction of Francesc Bonnin, should do the trick.

Monday December 21st at 21.00hrs. Free entrance.

Teatro Principal, Palma

Tel. 0034 971 219 696

www.teatreprincipaldepalma.cat

Anglican Church Christmas Services

In Palma:

Midnight mass- December 24th at 23.30hrs

Christmas Eucharist- December 25th at 11.00hrs.

St.Philip&St.James Kirche

C/Nunez de Balboa 6, Son Armadans

In Puerto Pollenca:

Christingle for all the family- Sunday December 13th at 16.00hrs

Service of carols and readings- Thursday December 17th at 18.00hrs

First Communion of Christmas- Thursday December 24th at 18.00hrs

Christmas Day Family Service- Friday 25th at 09.30hrs

St.Andrew at Nuestra Senora del Carmen

C/del Metge Llopis