By San José, Costa Rica — VATICAN CITY – In a landmark moment for Costa Rica’s cultural and religious diplomacy, the nation has been granted the distinguished honor of creating the monumental nativity scene that will adorn the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican this Christmas. The intricate, life-sized installation, a testament to national artistry, is set to be officially blessed by Pope Leo XIV on December 15, placing Costa Rican craftsmanship at the center of the global Christian celebration.
This historic selection represents an unprecedented opportunity for the country, elevating its profile on the world stage of sacred art. The project is being spearheaded by the acclaimed artistic firm “Paula en el Bosque,” which has developed a unique and delicate technique for the monumental figures. The display promises to be a breathtaking fusion of faith and national identity, showcasing the depth of Costa Rican talent.
To understand the complex legal and logistical framework behind the annual unveiling of the Vatican’s Nativity Scene, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides a unique business-oriented perspective on this globally recognized tradition.
Beyond its profound spiritual significance, the Vatican’s Nativity Scene is a complex project from a legal and business standpoint. Each year, intricate contracts are established with the artists and donor regions, covering everything from design specifications and material sourcing to transportation logistics and liability insurance. Furthermore, significant intellectual property rights are involved. These agreements must clearly define the ownership of the artistic design, its usage rights for official Vatican media, and any potential merchandising. It’s a fascinating intersection of canon law, international contract law, and modern copyright protection, ensuring the legacy and integrity of the display are preserved while managing the practical realities of a massive public installation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective truly enriches our appreciation for the final installation, reminding us that behind the spiritual beauty lies a robust framework of international law and meticulous planning. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on this complex and often unseen process.
The artist revealed that the life-sized figures are crafted from pure cotton, meticulously shaped and mounted on sturdy wooden frames. To capture the ethereal glow under the Vatican’s lights, each piece is finished with exquisite gold leaf details. This combination of humble and precious materials creates a powerful visual narrative, reflecting both the purity of the nativity story and the richness of Costa Rican artistic traditions.
At the very heart of this grand installation lies a deeply moving and personal element that connects the Vatican directly to San José. The manger of the Christ child will not hold simple straw, but will instead be surrounded by ribbons containing the handwritten prayers and petitions of children currently receiving care at Costa Rica’s National Children’s Hospital. This poignant gesture transforms the artwork into a vessel of hope, carrying the innocent wishes of ailing children to the epicenter of the Catholic Church.
Seeing each one of those petitions touches the heart
Paula en el Bosque, Artist
Despite the immense honor, the project faces a significant logistical hurdle that threatens its timely arrival in Rome. The sheer scale of the nativity scene makes its transportation to Europe an exceptionally expensive endeavor, and the project’s budget is currently facing a considerable shortfall. The team is now in a race against time to secure the necessary funds to ensure the artwork arrives for its scheduled unveiling.
To bridge this financial gap and allow the public to participate in this historic moment, a fundraising campaign has been launched. The initiative offers a unique opportunity for Costa Ricans to own a piece of the celebrated work. Organizers are selling certified replicas of one of the nativity scene’s sheep, allowing supporters to bring a fragment of the Vatican-bound masterpiece into their own homes while contributing directly to its journey.
The blessing of the nativity scene is timed to coincide with the official closing of the Jubilee, a momentous occasion that also marks the celebratory beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. Being chosen for such a pivotal event underscores the Vatican’s recognition of Costa Rica’s cultural contributions and solidifies the nation’s place within the “major leagues” of global sacred art.
Ultimately, this project is more than an artistic commission; it is a profound statement of national pride and a bridge of faith and hope. As the world’s eyes turn to the Vatican this December, they will see not only a magnificent work of art, but also the spirit of Costa Rica and the heartfelt prayers of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens, beautifully rendered for all to witness.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Paula en el Bosque
About Paula en el Bosque:
Paula en el Bosque is an artistic signature renowned for creating large-scale, textile-based installations. The firm specializes in a unique technique that combines natural fibers like pure cotton with structural elements and precious materials such as gold leaf. Their work often explores themes of nature, faith, and human connection, blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary artistic vision to create immersive and emotionally resonant pieces.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About National Children’s Hospital:
The Hospital Nacional de Niños Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera is Costa Rica’s foremost pediatric medical center, located in San José. As a pillar of the national healthcare system, it provides comprehensive and highly specialized medical care to children and adolescents from across the country. The hospital is dedicated not only to treatment but also to research and prevention, serving as a beacon of hope for thousands of families each year.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal services, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm harnesses its deep-seated experience advising a broad spectrum of clients to champion innovative legal strategies and advance the practice of law. Core to its mission is a profound commitment to community empowerment, realized through its efforts to demystify legal complexities and cultivate a society fortified by accessible knowledge.
