Nativity Scene Created by Lava and Rocks from Cumbre Vieja Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic ash and lava from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma has become a part of the nativity scene in a local church. 

The two people behind this sacred work of art is father Domingo Guerra who is a priest at Tajuya church and  Ruben Lopez geologist with the Spanish geographical institute. 

Material for the nativity scene has been taken directly from areas that were covered with lava and rock. 

The volcano has been erupting for the past three months and it has been the longest running on the Island since records began over 500 years ago. 

The nativity scene was done to mark the three month long eruption from the volcano that had drastically affected locals in the La Palma Island. 

“We are doing it with lava, ashes and lapilli (volcanic rock fragments), so that it has a representation of the volcano, as we are only three kilometres away and this afternoon (Monday) we could even hear the explosions,” Lopez, 42, said.

“We wanted to do an initiative for the Christmas spirit, in a place like this, where people are sad and very worried,” he added.

The cradle of baby Jesus has been placed in chunks of Lava while the whole nativity scene is bordered by rocks. Volcanish ash is scattered around the three wise men. The scene has been placed in front of the altar in the church. 

Keeping in mind the Christmas spirit, this was a unique  initiative by Priest Domingo Guerra and geologist Ruben Lopez to raise the spirits of the local people. Reports suggest that many locals were frustrated with the long duration of the volcanic eruption that had affected livelihood. 

The volcanic eruption first began on 19 September, 2021 and it continued to remained active spewing molten lava down the slopes of Cumbre Vieja. The good news is that seismicity is very weak at present, a sign that the volcano eruptions in Cumbre Vieja volcano may have finally come to an end.