cctvnewschannel on Dec 10, 2011 Elsewhere in Mexico City, folks have reconstructed the ancient town of Bethlehem. Officials there say they are confident of another Guinness record for the world's largest ever nativity scene. Christmas fever took … [More]

cctvnewschannel on Dec 10, 2011 Elsewhere in Mexico City, folks have reconstructed the ancient town of Bethlehem. Officials there say they are confident of another Guinness record for the world's largest ever nativity scene. Christmas fever took over Mexico City this week as the sprawling metropolis celebrates the festive season with a life-sized recreation of the nativity scene. Covering a space of 20,000 square meters, the capital's iconic Aztec Stadium has been filled with dirt paths and humble stone houses in scenes that resemble ancient Bethlehem. With Santa and shopping now dominating Christmas festivities in the traditionally Catholic country, organizers of the nativity hope to bring out the true meaning of the season among its visitors. Leticia Almada, spokesperson for Nativity Scene said: "With this re-creation of the nativity, we hope to recover the essence of Christmas. That people feel and live something that they only know from tradition, but now they can be a part of it because they can walk inside it. Nativity scenes were once something at the bottom of a Christmas tree, but we want people to feel it and live it." With more than 20 million citizens packed into the capital and its metropolitan area, organizers hope families will use the opportunity to get out of cramped apartments and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Meanwhile, Guatemalans turn out en masse for the historic burning of devils to start the Christmas season. For centuries, families, friends and neighbors have participated in the traditional ceremony to chase away bad spirits from their homes and neighborhoods. The celebration originated in the 16th century and took place in various towns, but since the 1990's, it has become popular throughout the entire country. Margo Villanda, organizer of Devil Burning Activity said: "This event marks the beginning of our Christmas season, and we do it here in our community to show that we are finishing with the bad and welcoming the good, and so peace can reign." After burning their paper devils, most Guatemalans light bonfire using all sorts of rubbish, tires and plastic, leaving thick clouds of smoke that affect air quality. Local government has responded by promoting the use of ecological materials to avoid damaging the environment. Information provided by cctv.com Thank you http://www.cctv.com

cctvnewschannel on Dec 10, 2011 Elsewhere in Mexico City, folks have reconstructed the ancient town of Bethlehem. Officials there say they are confident of another Guinness record for the world's largest ever nativity scene. Christmas fever took over Mexico City this week as the sprawling metropolis celebrates the festive season with a life-sized recreation of the nativity scene. Covering a space of 20,000 square meters, the capital's iconic Aztec Stadium has been filled with dirt paths and humble stone houses in scenes that resemble ancient Bethlehem. With Santa and shopping now dominating Christmas festivities in the traditionally Catholic country, organizers of the nativity hope to bring out the true meaning of the season among its visitors. Leticia Almada, spokesperson for Nativity Scene said: "With this re-creation of the nativity, we hope to recover the essence of Christmas. That people feel and live something that they only know from tradition, but now they can be a part of it because they can walk inside it. Nativity scenes were once something at the bottom of a Christmas tree, but we want people to feel it and live it." With more than 20 million citizens packed into the capital and its metropolitan area, organizers hope families will use the opportunity to get out of cramped apartments and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Meanwhile, Guatemalans turn out en masse for the historic burning of devils to start the Christmas season. For centuries, families, friends and neighbors have participated in the traditional ceremony to chase away bad spirits from their homes and neighborhoods. The celebration originated in the 16th century and took place in various towns, but since the 1990's, it has become popular throughout the entire country. Margo Villanda, organizer of Devil Burning Activity said: "This event marks the beginning of our Christmas season, and we do it here in our community to show that we are finishing with the bad and welcoming the good, and so peace can reign." After burning their paper devils, most Guatemalans light bonfire using all sorts of rubbish, tires and plastic, leaving thick clouds of smoke that affect air quality. Local government has responded by promoting the use of ecological materials to avoid damaging the environment. Information provided by cctv.com Thank you http://www.cctv.com