The manuscript of the then priest of Yaiza, Andrés Lorenzo Curbelo, which narrates the volcanic eruption of 1730 in the Timanfaya area, could well be the leitmotif of the 300 square meter work created by the municipal workers of Yaiza, Pancho Ortiz, Aridane Cabrera and Orlando Caraballo, who this year surprise, and in what way, with a nativity scene that, in addition to representing the birth of Jesus and emblematic places of Lanzarote, recreates the eruptive episode of the 18th century that is part of the history of Yaiza and Lanzarote.
The portal simulates the column of gas emission, the fire and lava of the volcano, accompanied by lights and sound, special effects that visitors can appreciate every three minutes. When the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, pressed the button this Friday to illuminate the nativity scene and activate the assembly for the first time for the public, the attendance was surprised to react immediately with a resounding applause, the best recognition of the intense work of the three nativity scene artists who began to build the portal from mid-October with days of seven hours daily.
On behalf of the City Council, the mayor thanked and exalted "the creative process of Pancho, Aridane and Orlando who have managed to materialize this wonderful work with the support of other municipal workers. The people of Lanzarote can visit the nativity scene with the most tradition on the island from now on." Óscar Noda also had words of remembrance for Tito Viera (q.e.p.d), master nativity scene artist and teacher of new generations who began the trajectory of the southern portal almost forty years ago.
Pancho Ortiz referred to the challenge of recreating the eruption of the volcano: "it was a risky idea and we didn't know very well how it was going to turn out, but seeing the images and now the reaction of the public, we are very satisfied and happy with the result and for offering this work to our people of Yaiza and Lanzarote." The nativity scene was blessed by the parish priest of Yaiza, Jonathan Almeida.
The inauguration was accompanied by music, first, in the church of Los Remedios, where the Teguise Polyphonic Choir and the Yaiza Vocal Group performed, directed by Nuvi Tavío, and then the public moved to the square accompanied by the Rancho de Pascua de Yaiza, which encouraged the inaugural act and tour around the nativity scene, to end the night with the voices and instrumental interpretation of the Sondemar group.
The Councilor for Festivities of Yaiza, Daniel Medina, not only encourages the people of Lanzarote and schools of the Island to visit the nativity scene, but also to participate in the offer of activities for the Christmas and Kings season published on the cover of the municipal website www.yaiza.es
