'Tis the Season for Homeless Nativity Scenes

'Merry Chistmas from Manuel and Gloria.'

Manuel and Gloria. 

Bogotá boasts what is supposed to be the world's largest nativity scene in Simon Bolivar Park. But they're charging 15,000 pesos admission to see it. In contrast, some industrious homeless people have set up more interesting and accesible, if less slick and commercial, nativity scenes on Bogotá's streets.

Manuel, whom I profiled last Christmas, has been setting up his nativity scene behind the Estacion de la Sabana train station for many years. He's a scavenger, and assembles the nativity scene every year out of items he finds while scrounging thru the trash for food or sellable items.

Manuel, his girlfriend Gloria and their dog live in a shack on the corner. 

Behind Palo Quemao market I came upon another, smaller nativity scene created by a homeless man. 

Cesar Lopez set up his own nativity scene near the Palo Quemao Market. 

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours