The Monasterio de la Puríssima Concepció is also known as the Convento de las Caputxines, where nuns live in a closed order. But at the occasion of Christmas, the doors are now open to some parts of the convent to show one of Palma’s most outstanding Beléns. The impressive nativity scene is composed of elements dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and was declared a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) in 2003. Visiting hours are from 11h00 to 14h00 and from 17h00 to 20h30, from now until January 10th, 2010. I recommend a visit.

I am always amazed how many wonderful beléns there are in Palma and in all of Mallorca; I have told you about some of them in the past. As one would expect, the beléns on display in churches and monasteries are mostly of a strictly religious inclination. Other installations, however, often focus on Mallorcan themes and traditions, such as the rural lifestyle, old trades and crafts, or popular activities. Try the wonderful belén at the Centre Cultural la Misericòrdia, the splendid one at Cort (Palma’s townhall) or the scenic one at the Mercat de Santa Catalina. I understand that one of the largest and most beautiful ones, at the Claustro de Sant Antoniet, in Carrer de Sant Miquel, will not be mounted this year. What a shame.

Outside of Palma, this year’s best beléns are displayed at the parish church in Banyalbufar, the Església de Nostra Senyora de Visitació in Consell, the parish church in Deià, the Església de Sant Marc in Sineu and the Església parroquial in Maria de Salut. The Caixa Rural savings bank has some very nice belén displays at two of their branches, in Pont d’Inca (Marratxí) and Felanitx.

The photo (top) was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: December 15th, 2009. The time was 15:27:05. The photo (bottom) was taken from the Internet. My thanks go to diariodemallorca.es and the photographer, Lorenzo.

Muchas gracias.