The Chocolate Nativity Scene of Rute is much more than a simple Christmas exhibition; it is a handcrafted masterpiece that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Located in this picturesque town in the province of Córdoba, this nativity scene has gained international fame for being the largest in the world, perfectly combining tradition, creativity and, of course, the sweetness of chocolate. Every Christmas, the nativity scene renews its theme, offering a new experience to those who come to enjoy this unique spectacle.
The origin of the Chocolate Nativity Scene is directly linked to the Garrido family, a family that has cultivated the pastry tradition in Rute for generations. It was Loreto Garrido who, in the 20th century, began to consolidate the fame of the family workshop, known for its famous piononos and puff pastries. Together with his wife Dolores, they laid the foundations for a business that has lasted to this day.
The Chocolate Nativity Scene was born more than 25 years ago as an initiative of the family to celebrate Christmas in a unique way. Since then, each year it has become a renewed work that surprises both for its size and for the level of detail of the figures, which are sculpted by hand with high-quality chocolate.
The creation of the Chocolate Nativity Scene is a process that requires months of work. A team of seven master pastry chefs works for about four months to shape this impressive installation. With a total of 1,500 kilograms of chocolate, each of them is responsible for modeling the figures, creating the landscapes and giving life to the scenes of the birth of Jesus Christ, all with an amazing level of detail.
This collective effort not only focuses on the amount of chocolate used, but also on the precision with which the figures and scenes are made. From the shepherds to the animals, passing through the buildings, everything is thought out and worked with the utmost care. In addition, the theme is changed every year, which ensures that the experience is always new for visitors.
In the Christmas campaign of 2025-2026, the Chocolate Nativity Scene will be inspired by classic and modern tales, offering a new look at the most beloved stories of all time. The chocolate figures will come to life from stories that both children and adults recognize, creating a space where fantasy and Christmas meet in every corner. This approach ensures that, regardless of the age of the visitors, everyone will find something that captivates them and connects them with their childhood memories.
Here’s the useful part: schedules, prices and tips for organizing your visit without stress.
The tour is comfortable, adapted and designed for young and old to enjoy equally. Children marvel at the figures; adults, with the craftsmanship. And everyone with chocolate, of course.
The Chocolate Nativity Scene is just one of the many reasons to visit Rute during Christmas. The town is famous for its pastry tradition, which is reflected in the variety of handmade sweets that are produced in the region. Among the most outstanding are the turrones (especially Jijona and Alicante), the mantecados, the alfajores and the polvorones. These products are made with traditional recipes that have been perfected over the years, and can be purchased in local stores or directly in the workshops.
One of the references in the production of sweets in the area is Galleros Artesanos, the workshop that gives life to the Chocolate Nativity Scene. Here, visitors can not only take a piece of the local tradition, but also enjoy other typical products of the region that will delight those who try them.
Rute is a place where tradition is not only lived through sweets, but also through its museums and cultural spaces. The Sugar Museum is a tribute to the history of local pastry, where visitors can learn about the manufacturing process of some of the most emblematic sweets in the area. You can also visit the Anise Museum and the Ham Museum, two spaces dedicated to other native products of the region that are a fundamental part of its gastronomic culture.
These museums, together with the Chocolate Nativity Scene, make Rute a complete destination for those looking to enjoy Christmas in a unique way, combining the magic of tradition with the gastronomic delights of the region.
The Chocolate Nativity Scene not only has a great cultural impact, but has also turned Rute into one of the Christmas capitals of Andalusia. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the town to enjoy this original exhibition and the rich local pastry tradition, which boosts the region’s economy and strengthens tourism in the area. In addition, the conservation of the artisanal techniques of previous generations ensures that this tradition remains alive, adapting with the passage of time without losing its essence.
In short, visiting the Chocolate Nativity Scene of Rute is not only a visual experience, but also a journey to the heart of the Christmas tradition, where art and gastronomy merge to offer one of the sweetest celebrations in Spain.
If you are planning your visit to Rute, Alojamientos El Parque is an ideal option to rest and enjoy the charm of the town. Located in the heart of the center, at Calle Mercado nº4, it offers comfort, proximity to the main points of interest, and warm attention that will make you feel at home.
Visit Rute: Alojamientos El Parque
Comfort, design, and relaxation in an incomparable natural environment.
The rooms at Alojamientos El Parque have been created to offer you a modern and functional experience, maintaining the charm of rural tourism in the Subbética region. They are spacious, bright, and equipped for you to enjoy a comfortable stay, whether for leisure or work.
