National Nativity Scene Contest: Two decades celebrating Peruvian folk art
Instituto Cultural Teatral y Social (ICTYS) celebrated the 20th edition of the National Nativity Scene Contest this year, an event that, over two decades, has highlighted the artisanal talent of Peru. It has created a space for popular artists to gain visibility, personal growth, and greater recognition both nationally and internationally.
As part of this milestone edition, we spoke with Anderson Aranda, the contest organizer, and Tabata Matos, head of ICTYS media, who shared their reflections on the event’s impact on the lives of artisans and the promotion of Peruvian folk art.
Impact on artisans
Anderson Aranda, who has been leading the general coordination of the contest for three years, highlights the significance of this platform for Peruvian artists: “I have closely observed the value of folk art through the testimonies, sacrifices, dedication, and creativity of the artisans. This experience has allowed me to understand the importance of the contest, which, over 20 years, has been a platform for many artists to achieve personal fulfillment, gain greater visibility, and grow through their nativity scenes.”
Anderson Aranda, organizer of the National Nativity Scene Contest by ICTYS.
Stories like those of Larry Segundo and Silvia Huamán exemplify this impact. Larry, winner in 2020, found new opportunities for recognition and increased sales. Meanwhile, Silvia shares that the contest marked a turning point in her life, and she never imagined appearing in Somos magazine (El Comercio, Peru, Dec. 2023).
Preserving and transmitting traditions
The contest is not only a space to reward creativity but also to preserve and pass on Peruvian folk art. According to Anderson: “The contest seeks to strengthen, through art, the plastic traditions that shape our country’s identity, as well as foster creativity and the emergence of new artistic talents.”
This edition’s special category, “Winner of Winners,” brought together outstanding artisans who had been awarded in previous years. On their artistic growth, Anderson comments: “They dedicate their time and effort to conceive and develop their nativity scenes with great commitment, continually perfecting their techniques. Additionally, many have decided to pass on what they’ve learned, creating schools and sharing their knowledge to keep our culture alive.”
A special moment: Genoveva Núñez’s victory
Genoveva Núñez displaying her first-place diploma.
For Tabata Matos, Genoveva Núñez’s victory was one of the most significant moments. “She is an inspiration and motivation to maintain such perfect craftsmanship after so many years dedicated to traditional art.” The audience enthusiastically celebrated her triumph, recognizing her work as an example for new generations of artisans.
Recognition and Gratitude
The impact of the National Nativity Scene Contest on Peruvian society is evident. Tabata notes that it has contributed to a greater appreciation of traditional art: “In the past, artisans’ work remained anonymous. Today, there’s interest in the technique, the process duration, and the origin. Moreover, owning a Peruvian nativity scene at home is much more valued.”
Tabata Matos, head of ICTYS media.
If one word summarizes the impact of this event, according to Tabata, it is “recognition and gratitude.” This contest not only gives visibility to the artworks but also to the artists. Artisans, she adds, are “grateful because many are surprised by the exposure and sales they can achieve during or after the contest.”
The 20th edition of the National Nativity Scene Contest by ICTYS reaffirms its commitment to promoting Peruvian folk art, highlighting the talent of those who preserve and enrich our traditions, and ensuring their legacy remains alive for future generations.
A date with art: Until January 5th
2024 finalist artisans: From left to right: Faustino Quispe, Feriberto Aylas, Ángela Sierra, Genoveva Núñez, Denisse Sánchez.
For those in Lima, the exhibition of over 50 nativity scenes featured in the 20th edition of the National Nativity Scene Contest is an unmissable opportunity. Located at Casa O’Higgins PUCP, on Jirón de la Unión, this exhibit is open to the public until January 5th, 2025. Visitors can enjoy the artwork from Tuesday to Sunday, including holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.