Portals

An interesting custom here that comes with the Navidad (aka Christmas) is the portal. Almost every home and bisiness has one. It is a diorama type thing of the Nativity, complete with animals, live plants and is only limited by the creativity and finances of the owner. The custom is to leave the crib empty of the Christ child until midnight Christmas eve. What it looked like was everyone rushed home from whatever they were doing at midnight to be together when the baby "descends" into the crib. About two weeks AFTER, they have another ceremonial fiesta (party/holiday) where the child is removed. I have had the opportunity to see several portals, and they are as varied as their owners. Here's an especially nice one at the home of Ligia, with the waterfall next to it.