Vilavenut Living Nativity 2026
The Living Nativity in Vilavenut, in the municipality of Fontcoberta (Pla de l'Estany), is the perfect definition of an endearing and village event. With nearly forty years of history behind it, it stands out for a couple of unique traditions that make it very special. We explain everything to you below
The experience: The authentic baby and the historic caganer
More than a hundred performers bring life to this static living nativity scene that is divided between the outside and inside the houses in the small town of Vilavenut. The organization changes some scenes every year so that loyal visitors always find new things.
But the real soul of the living nativity scene is its characters. Every year, the role of the Holy Family is offered to a local couple who have had a baby, so the baby Jesus is always a real baby from Vilavenut. In addition, the character of the caganer has become a true institution, being represented by exactly the same person for decades without interruption.
Opening dates and times
- The classic calendar: The event is usually scheduled in a single long weekend just before Christmas (usually on December 20 and 21).
- Start time: To enjoy the lighting and the intimate atmosphere of its stone streets, performances start promptly at 19:00 h
Pay-what-you-want donations, soup and hot chocolate
The spirit of this nativity scene is totally open, popular and supportive. You don't have to worry about buying advance tickets, since it works with a much closer system:
- Pay-what-you-want entry: Entrance to the site is free. At the end, visitors can make a voluntary contribution, part of which is always donated to charitable causes such as La Marató.
- Gastronomy against the cold: A glass of hot soup at the entrance to help withstand the cold of winter, and to say goodbye to the visitors, visitors are offered hot chocolate with coca as they leave
Where to park and where to eat in Pla de l'Estany
Vilavenut is a very small village. You will find signs to leave the car in the areas of fields designated as parking areas just before entering the area of the church.
Due to its small size, the village itself does not have many restaurants. After the hot chocolate, the best option is to take the car. We recommend two great alternatives less than 10 minutes away:
- Restaurant La Banyeta, Fontcoberta: Located in the same municipality, it is a top rustic option, specialising in grilled meat and hearty Catalan cuisine, with excellent, family-friendly service.
- Banyoles and the Estany area: Going down to the capital of the region, a few kilometres, you have a wide variety of restaurants. Iconic places in the city to sit down and enjoy a good traditional meal to finish the excursion.
Latest editorial revision: April 24, 2026.
Information status: The details on pay-what-you-want entry, the participation of a real baby and the food offered to visitors are based on the historical organization of the Vilavenut Neighbourhood Association. How we work.