Santa Cruz Judges 22 Entries in 55th Nativity Scene Contest
The Santa Cruz City Council has begun judging 22 entries for its 55th Christmas Nativity Scene Contest 2025/2026, an anticipated and growing part of the city's festive calendar.
The Santa Cruz City Council, through its Fiestas de Santa Cruz department, has started judging the 22 nativity scenes entered into the 55th Christmas Nativity Scene Contest 2025/2026. This event is a well-established part of the city's festive calendar.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez said it's "one of the most anticipated Christmas contests by the residents of Santa Cruz." He also highlighted that "it grows every year, with two more nativity scenes in this edition than in previous years."
Similarly, the Councillor for Festivals, Javier Caraballero, stressed that "Santa Cruz once again embraces tradition through art and the commitment of its residents to Christmas."
According to the rules, individuals or organizations based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife could enter this traditional city contest.
Group A is for nativity scenes set up by neighborhood associations and in outdoor spaces. Nine entries were received: the 12 de Octubre Neighborhood Association, the Ciudad Satélite Santa María del Mar Neighborhood Association, Jose Manuel Sayago Duque and Noa Sayago Alfonso, Estrellita de David Nativity Scene Association, García Escámez Festival Committee, San Martín de Porres Neighborhood Association, Guacimara La Gallega Neighborhood Association, Viviendas José Martí 2023 Neighborhood Association, and Ruyman Neighborhood Association.
Category B includes parishes, non-profit groups, and shop windows. Three have entered: Santa María del Mar Parish, Sonrisas del SO NGO Assistance Association, and Ntra. Señora de África Market Services Cooperative.
For Category C, private homes, there are seven entries this year: María Dolores Pérez Trujillo, María Natividad García Gómez, María Concepción Gutiérrez Padilla, Carlos Jesús Santiago Hernández, María Concepción Martínez González, María Remedios García Hernández and Miguel Ángel Alonso Méndez, and Antonio Diego Rodríguez Arribas.
Finally, Category D is for nativity scenes in primary and secondary schools. This year, three schools have registered: Hispano Inglés School, CEIP Chimisay, and CEIP Santa Cruz de California.
The judges for the contest are: plastic arts teacher Patricia Hogdson González, nativity scene expert and member of the La Laguna Nativity Scene Association Jose Enrique Villalmanzo de Armas, and display window technician, designer, and crafts instructor Elena González Ramírez.
The winners in each category will be announced at an awards ceremony next Sunday, the 21st, at 7:30 PM. The event will take place on the stage in La Candelaria square.