Since 2006, every Christmas the State Court Judge José Antonio Durá — who also serves as secretary of a Nativity Scene Association — brings a handmade piece to spread a festive atmosphere across the courthouse. This year Bethlehem was staged in three distinct zones scattered through the building. Three portals in varied styles told different moments of the Nativity, all crafted from recycled materials such as cork, ceramics, shelf boards, and pieces from Durá’s own figurine collection.
One feature is a Roman-style Audiencia recreation in the building’s most public hall, with Bethlehem Road as the stage. An official figure appears to be at work in a room overflowing with papyrus and court records. The digital files in use push the idea that justice administration confirms its role, and the tradition persists even amid difficult times. Durá notes that this year the wartime crisis in Ukraine inspired additions of peace messages to the displays.
Roman style audience
In Bethlehem’s section devoted to the Magi’s journey, every detail speaks of imperial Rome. Gladiator exhibitions and a Roman senator’s lectern fill a corner, while two Roman soldiers greet visitors at the entrance. Civil guards, entrusted with courthouse security, stand nearby as guardians of the scene. Durá mentions that some figures used for this Nativity were purchased in Italy, enhancing the authenticity of the tribute.
Olot School
The magistrate’s office hosts the most traditional Nativity piece, quieter than the public displays but no less impressive. Larger figures stand among the courthouse set pieces, reflecting the classic elements that define traditional Christmas art and its narrative power within the judicial building.
The moment of birth is captured in a photo captioned by the onsite staff. The scene features the Virgin Mary, Jesus, Joseph, a mule, an ox, and the manger, all rendered with a striking realism. A small fire is suggested with light, adding warmth to the composition. Though the Olot school has faded from some second-hand markets due to the broader economic crisis, the craftsmanship remains a hallmark of the collection.
Mediterranean landscape
The third Bethlehem section resides in the God’s Office, in the First Part of the Trial where officers work. This display presents a distinctly Mediterranean ambiance, complete with palm trees and cacti that evoke sunlit shores and southern winds. A caption on a photo panel identifies the scene as a Mediterranean landscape within the nativity arrangement of the First Division courthouse.
The figures in this final portion are smaller than those in the earlier displays. A nod to the broader history is evident in the way the figures, including May Lebrija, helped push a shift in scale and style more than forty years ago. Durá oversees the nativity scenes with his wife and an officer, coordinating the setup in late November. He explains that once the holiday season begins, schedules tighten and time to enjoy the scenes diminishes. December nativity montages intensify, making the Audiencia displays a leading indicator of Christmas cheer inside the building. [Citation: Local cultural chronicle, archived records]