Córdoba's Rute's giant chocolate nativity scene opens with a Mediterranean theme

The world’s largest chocolate nativity scene is on show in Rute until January 5, with Pompeii and other Mediterranean legends recreated in cocoa

Christmas has arrived early in Rute, in the Córdoba province, where the world’s largest chocolate nativity scene is now open to visitors.

The annual display, created by family firm Galleros Artesanos, depicts the birth of Jesus in the stable, with the Three Wise Men bringing gifts. Every figure, building and detail is made entirely from chocolate.
This year’s edition has a new theme, Legends of the Mediterranean. It takes visitors on a journey across the sea, recreating cities, myths and civilisations that grew along its shores, including Pompeii and Sofia.

The nativity scene includes streets, fountains, pastoral scenes and monuments. It took six months to prepare, with five expert pastry chefs working on the different pieces.

The tradition has been carried out using traditional methods by the same family for 90 years. Each year begins with the choice of a theme, followed by research, design sketches and the creation of the display.

Where and when to visit

The Chocolate Nativity Scene can be seen at the Rute Chocolate Museum, at the Galleros Artesanos factory on the edge of town, close to the Turrón Museum. Rute is about an hour’s drive from Córdoba city.

It opened on October 10 and will remain open until January 5. Entry costs €1.50, which is refundable against purchases made at the premises. Children under four go free.

Opening hours are 10am to 1.30pm and 4pm to 7pm from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.
There are a few seasonal exceptions. The display closes in the afternoon on December 24, December 31 and January 5. It is closed all day on December 25 and January 1.

The chocolate nativity scene has become a fixture of the Christmas season in Rute, drawing visitors with its scale and changing theme. This year, its makers have turned their attention to the shared history of the Mediterranean, from ancient cities to the myths that have endured along its coastline.