Historic close for landmark sand nativity
The Belén de Arena (Sand Nativity) on Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria closed this Thursday, concluding its landmark 20th edition with a historic result: more than 125,000 visitors in just three weeks, averaging 5,000 people per day. These figures cement the project as one of the premier cultural and social highlights of the Christmas season in the Canaries, according to the island council (Cabildo).
A festive fusion of art, tradition and community
The anniversary edition once again transformed the beach into a meeting point for art, tradition, and the community. It featured ten monumental sculptures created by local and international artists along a free route that attracted residents and tourists from around the world. The closing ceremony was attended by the President of the Gran Canaria Council, Antonio Morales; the Councillor for Tourism for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Pedro Quevedo; and the Councillor for Social Welfare, Carmen Luz Vargas, alongside representatives from the social kitchens which will receive the funds raised.
Institutional praise for global appeal and social values
During his speech, Antonio Morales highlighted the project’s ability to grow even in adverse weather conditions and its significant international reach. “The Belén de Arena has known how to grow in the face of difficulty. Today it is the most visited sand nativity in the world and a clear expression of Gran Canaria’s values, transmitted through art and collective effort,” he stated. “From our institutions, we must continue to support proposals that strengthen our identity, project the island internationally, and champion a circular movement based on sustainability, solidarity, and a message of peace in especially turbulent times.”
For his part, Pedro Quevedo highlighted the effort behind this edition, marked by spells of bad weather, as well as the project’s social dimension: “Despite the meteorological setbacks, the result has been extraordinary. The Belén de Arena has a soul, and that soul is reflected especially in its support for the city’s five social kitchens.”
Public devotion and strengthened social commitment
The director of the Belén de Arena, Aday Rodríguez, thanked the public for their support: “The affection from the people has been fundamental. Even with the bad weather, the public kept their appointment with us, and that is the greatest recognition of the team’s work and the collective spirit that sustains this project.” This year’s edition reinforced its social commitment. The funds raised—which grew by 75% compared to the previous year—reached €15,000, including a €6,000 contribution from the “la Caixa” Foundation. All money will go entirely to the five social kitchens in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Exhibitions, awards and musical celebrations
Complementing the sculptural route, the CICCA Cultural Centre hosted the exhibition ‘Arena y Mar. La invisibilidad del orden’ (Sand and Sea. The Invisibility of Order), which remains open until 23rd January. Furthermore, the 20th-anniversary programme included the ‘Estrellas de Cultura’ event—through which the Belén has recognised over a hundred people and initiatives since 2019—and the raising of the Culture and Peace Flag. This flag was granted on this occasion to the Spanish Academy of Mumbai, in a simultaneous ceremony between India and Gran Canaria. The Belén also featured concerts and musical performances throughout the weeks, reinforcing its community character.
A Christmas cornerstone since 2006
Organised by Go Beyond, the Belén de Arena has established itself as a cornerstone of Canarian Christmas since its creation in 2006. In 2024, it received the ‘Roque Nublo de Plata’ award from the Cabildo and the Culture and Peace Flag, distinctions that recognise its contribution to art, social cohesion, and the island’s cultural outreach. This year’s edition was made possible thanks to support from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, the Gran Canaria Council through Gran Canaria Tourism, the Presidency and Culture departments, and the Government of the Canary Islands, along with the collaboration of various companies and entities. With its closure, the Belén de Arena once again reaffirms its mission: to unite art, identity, and solidarity by the sea, from Gran Canaria to the world.
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