XLII Concurso de Belenes Gandia
Participants across Gandia showcase diverse nativity scenes featuring the birth of Jesus. Displays range from handmade artistic creations to traditional setups using natural materials, as well as modern versions made with recyclable items or articulated toy figures. Entries come from local individuals, schools, parishes, brotherhoods, and community associations competing across multiple categories.
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Plan Your Visit
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book an appointment before you go, because each belén can only be visited by arrangement and with a member of the Junta Mayor de Hermandades.
- If you are entering, make sure your scene includes the birth of Jesus, because any belén without it is disqualified from the contest.
- Register by December 14, either online, by email with "Concurso de Belenes 2026" in the subject, or at the Semana Santa museum mailbox on C/ Abat Solà.
- Choose your category carefully: Artistic belenes must be made by hand with no bought elements apart from the figures, while New Trends allows recyclables, plasticine and articulated toy figures.
- To see the winning scenes, ask the Junta Mayor, because winners agree that their contact details can be shared with people who ask to visit their belenes.
Special Events & Promotions
- The awards ceremony takes place on December 21, separately from the belén visits.
Links & Contact
Run by JUNTA MAYOR DE HERMANDADES DE SEMANA SANTA DE GANDIA
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I visit the nativity scenes?
You need an appointment to see each belén, and a member of the Junta Mayor de Hermandades de Semana Santa de Gandia goes with you on the visit.
How do I enter my own belén?
You can register through the online form at semanasantagandia.es or by email to cultura@semanasantagandia.es with "Concurso de Belenes 2026" in the subject line. You can also leave your entry in the mailbox at the Local Museo de la Semana Santa, C/ Abat Solà 108, or hand it to any Junta member. Registration closes on December 14.
Who can take part?
Any person or group can enter. Hermandades, parishes and associations take part, and schools enter in separate Infant and Primary/Secondary categories.
What categories are there?
There are four main categories. Artistic belenes are handmade. Artistic-Popular belenes mix artificial elements with sand and natural herbs. New Trends belenes use recyclable materials, plasticine or articulated figures like Playmobil. Popular belenes use natural materials such as stones, herbs, paper and sand. Groups such as hermandades, parishes, schools and associations have their own category.
What does the jury judge?
The jury looks at technique, perspective, atmosphere and lighting, how hard the work was, originality and the overall result. Every belén must show the birth of Jesus or it is disqualified. The jury may also award a prize for the best belén across all categories if the vote is unanimous.
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