Traditional Christmas nativity sand sculptures cancelled in Gran Canaria

One of Gran Canaria’s most iconic Christmas attractions has been cancelled after 20 years, with the giant sand nativity scene at Las Canteras beach unable to go ahead this year.

The display, known locally as the Belén de Arena, has become a festive tradition in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, attracting residents and visitors to see its incredible sand sculptures.

Organisers say the council’s financial contribution has not kept pace with the growing costs and requirements of producing the display to the standard they want.

The director of the event, Aday Rodríguez, said the decision was particularly difficult after two decades of work, but expressed hope that the attraction could return in the future.

The city council has said it regrets the cancellation. It had planned to contribute €75,000 this year and believes that, together with support from other public bodies and private sponsors, the organisers would have had enough funding to stage the event.

The nativity scene has also raised money for local charities through visitor donations. Last year, it collected €10,500 for five organisations providing meals to people in need.

The council says it will maintain its support for those organisations despite the cancellation.