Floridablanca, in the department of Santander, once again becomes the epicenter of Colombia’s Christmas season with the exhibition of the country’s largest candy nativity scene, a handcrafted creation that combines tradition, regional gastronomy, and remarkable artistic work developed over more than a decade. Located in the old town, this monumental nativity display — made entirely from traditional Santander sweets — has become one of the most visited holiday attractions in eastern Colombia.
The initiative began over 10 years ago thanks to the work of local artisans and the company Tentaciones Dulces y Obleas, a pioneer in using regional gastronomic heritage as decorative art. Since then, the nativity scene has been renewed each year with different themes that captivate both visitors and residents. In its most recent editions, it has exceeded 20 meters in length, featuring hundreds of hand-molded figures.
The largest sweet nativity scene in Colombia: a creation that highlights Santander’s flavors
What sets Floridablanca’s nativity scene apart is not only its size, but the materials used in its construction. Arequipe (milk caramel), panelitas, candied figs, popcorn, milk sweets, and obleas are some of the ingredients used to shape mountains, houses, animals, characters, and landscapes. These treats, deeply rooted in Santander’s culinary identity, transform a traditional Christmas symbol into a true edible work of art (though not intended for consumption).
Artisans spend months on the creative process: Preparing the sweets, molding the figures, assembling the structures, and ensuring that the final piece withstands weeks of public display. Each element is crafted by hand, making the nativity scene a tribute to local craftsmanship and to the creativity of a region that has turned its sweets into a cultural trademark.
One of its most striking features is the annual thematic variation. In 2024, for example, the nativity scene depicted the seven provinces of Santander; in another edition, it recreated Colombia’s 32 departments, with iconic monuments and landscapes meticulously crafted from sweets. Over the years, representative figures such as the Puente de la Novena — an emblem of the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga — are part of the decorations.
Tradition, tourism, and cultural heritage
The sweet nativity scene opens to the public from early December until mid-January and attracts thousands of visitors from across the country. Families, tourists, and onlookers walk through the display to appreciate its details and photograph the artwork, which has become a symbol of Christmas in Santander and a source of pride for the town of Floridablanca.
Beyond its artistic value, this nativity scene represents an economic opportunity for local sweet producers, who experience a boost in sales during the holiday season. The initiative also positions the town as a key tourist destination in December, blending tradition, culture, and flavor into a unique experience.
The magic of Floridablanca’s sweet nativity scene confirms that Colombians celebrate Christmas in creative ways that remain deeply connected to regional roots. With each new edition, the town renews its commitment to tradition, art, and gastronomic heritage, keeping alive a celebration that has become an essential part of the country’s holiday identity.