The faithful who attended Christmas mass this Saturday, December 25, at the Basilica of Fontaine-les-Dijon, sometimes had their eyes to the right. In a corner of the religious building, a Christmas crib has been installed since December 11.
Made and made by the inhabitants of Fontaine-les-Dijon
Over ten square meters, a hundred figurines and ten miniature buildings are installed. It took ten people from the village nearly a month to put everything in place. Some figurines were provided by a resident who collects them. There is a Leonardo da Vinci who paints, another character is carrying trunks. So inevitably, one thing leading to another, the inhabitants parade in front of the nursery after the service. Some only come to see her.
“I have never seen such a beautiful crib“smiles Avina, 11 years old who came on purpose to see the nursery with her parents.
This is the case of a resident, who arrived on the sly after Christmas mass, with his family. “It’s really magical“, he says. His daughter, 11, throws her hand to him to take a closer look at this nursery.”She’s really beautiful. I have never seen one so beautiful“, smiles Avina.
A practice in decline?
Evelyne Rousseau is one of the people who spent almost a month doing this nursery. “It is true that we see less of it but when I see the eyes of the children in front of this nursery, it’s wonderful“, she says.”However, I think the tradition lives on. The proof, there are ten of us who have done everything. It will allow us to buy santons to redo one next year. “
This nativity scene will remain in the basilica until February 2.