The annual Corvallis Community Nativity Festival takes place the first weekend of December and includes an inspiring display of over 600 nativity scenes from around the world contributed by members of the community. It also features live music in exhibit hall, nightly concerts, interactive children’s exhibit, special tours, and a reserved guest brunch.
Community members are invited to participate by displaying their nativity scene. To protect your display, 24-hour security is provided. To display your nativity scene, please see the “Display Your Nativity Scene!” tab on the main menu. You’re also invited to bring your friends to enjoy the festival all weekend long!
Watch for our advertisements in local newspapers, join our facebook page, or email us for more information or questions!
History
The Nativity of Jesus, or simply The Nativity, refers to the accounts of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in the Christian Gospels and in various apocryphal texts. The Nativity of Jesus is celebrated by Christians in the festival of Christmas, as well as in the celebrations of Christmas Eve, the Nativity Fast and the liturgical season of Advent.
A synonymous name for the English “nativity,” is the French word “Crèche.” Crèche literally means crib or manger. It has now become an accepted term for the scene depicting the birth of Christ, and is used not only in this country, but also in many other parts of the world.
CRÈCHE [crèche] , representation of the Infant Jesus in the manger, usually surrounded by figures of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals, and the Wise Men; also called Christmas Crib. The crèche has been displayed in churches during the period from Christmas Eve to Jan. 6 since the Middle Ages, especially after St. Francis of Assisi instituted the custom in 1223 at Gréccio, Italy. It is a Christmas tradition in many homes.
In 1994, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Corvallis started the tradition of the Crèche exhibit or Nativity Festival on the first weekend in December. Now in it’s 16th year, we are pleased to showcase many crèche scenes from around the world and some crafted locally. New exhibitors are encouraged to contact us for more information. 541-757-8793 or email NativityFest@gmail.com.
