Though it is a Catholic country, Peru’s own particular brand of Catholicism is an interesting fusion of indigenous and Christian traditions. One example is their Christmas decorations. Traditional Christmas trees are virtually unheard of in Peru. Instead, the main Christmas decoration for a Peruvian home is the retablo, or nativity scene. Retablos carry a special meaning in Peru because they recall the earliest days of Christianity in Peru, when the missionaries and priests would share Bible stories visually using pictures and sculptures.
Many retablos are beautiful folk art pieces, crafted in wood, stone, or clay and painted with bright colors. In a uniquely Peruvian take on the traditional manger scene, llamas and alpacas have replaced donkeys and sheep. It is important to have a retablo not only as a way to commemorate the birth of Christ, but as a place to put the gifts–at least in some families. Some families tell their children that baby Jesus brings the gifts and places them near the manger, while other families prefer the tradition of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts on January 6.
In either case, retablos are a beautiful and significant expression of Peruvian culture.