Sant Martí de Llémena Living Nativity 2026
The Living nativity scene of Sant Martí de Llémena it's not just any nativity scene: we are talking about a cultural landmark awarded with the prestigious Saint George's Cross for the dedication of a whole village With more than six decades of uninterrupted history in the regions of Girona, it is a must-see to understand the passion for this tradition.
The experience: A whole town steeped in tradition
The secret of the success and the institutional recognition of this nativity scene is the absolute involvement of the neighbors of the Llémena Valley. The montage takes advantage of the village's rural architecture with great beauty, focusing on the pictures and the scenes in the surroundings of the Church of Sant Martí, the adjacent fields and the cobbled corners
During the tour, the visitor enters a rural world frozen in time where the extras (of all ages) bring to life traditional trades, the classic traditional market and iconic biblical scenes lit with fire and torches.
Times and New Year's tradition
The date of Sant Martí de Llémena has a particularity in the calendar that makes it very special and ideal for close the holidays with the family:
- The main date: The representation has traditionally been firmly rooted in New Year's Day (January 1). It is a local tradition to welcome the new year by walking through the living nativity scene
- Opening hours: The event traditionally opens at 18:30 h, taking advantage of the darkness of the Girona winter.
How to get there and where to park in the Valley
The village centre where the nativity scene takes place is tiny and quiet, so the logistics change on the night of the representation:
- Parking enabled: Fields and areas for free parking are usually set up outside the centre just as you arrive on the GI-531 road. Follow the directions of the organisation’s staff
- You coat well: The Llémena Valley reaches very low temperatures in the afternoons of January. It is essential to wear good shoes and a thick coat.
Gastronomy: Advice for dining nearby
The visit would not be complete without the classic taste of hot soup offered to enter in heat on winter evenings.
It is very important that you keep in mind that the centre of Sant Martí de Llémena is extremely small and there are no bars or restaurants on offer where to sit and have a bite near the church.
However, the Vall de Llémena is famous for its excellent restoration. If your intention is to have meal hot after the event, we strongly recommend it book a table in the neighboring towns of the same GI-531 road in the direction of Girona (like now Llorà or Sant Gregori), where you will find farmhouses and restaurants of traditional Catalan cuisine and spectacular grilled meat.
Latest editorial revision: April 24, 2026.
Information status: The page includes the historical opening hours of January 1 at 18:30 h in the surroundings of the church. Data contrasted with the historic cultural activity of the municipality. How we work.