La Vang sparkles during the Christmas season.

The La Vang Marian pilgrimage center has been filled with Christmas spirit in recent days, with a large nativity scene decorated at the foot of the ancient bell tower, attracting both Catholics and non-Catholics.

On the evening of December 23rd, a reporter from Thanh Niên newspaper observed that at the La Vang Marian Pilgrimage Center (Hai Lang commune, Quang Tri province ), even though Christmas was still two days away, the center was crowded and bustling every night. Not only parishioners but also non-Catholics came to take photos and experience the atmosphere.

La Vang sparkles right from the entrance.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

People gathered in large crowds in front of the La Vang Shrine of Our Lady.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

The La Vang Marian Pilgrimage Center is illuminated with lights from the entrance gate, along the path leading to the shrine, and to the right is an elaborately crafted grotto at the foot of the ancient bell tower.

The Nativity scene depicts the birth of Jesus, focusing on Jesus in the manger at the center, surrounded by the Virgin Mary and Joseph, with angels above and shepherds and the Three Wise Men facing towards him.

The cave was built at the foot of the ancient bell tower.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

A place that recreates the scene of Jesus' birth.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

The nativity scene is constructed primarily from materials such as styrofoam, cardboard, and wood, along with various miniature scenes like Santa Claus, reindeer sleighs, and Christmas trees arranged around it for people to visit, admire, and take photos.

Nguyen Phan Dieu Thao (18 years old, residing in Quang Tri Ward) said that almost every year during the Christmas season, she and her family visit La Vang to sightsee and take photos, even though they are not Catholic.

The children enjoyed taking photos with the Santa Claus statue.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

Santa Claus's reindeer sleigh is decorated next to the nativity scene.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

Beneath the cave lies a tunnel leading to the base of the ancient bell tower.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

"Every year, the nativity scene here is decorated and constructed differently, so I'm always curious to see how beautiful La Vang is at this time of year. This year, I was very impressed with the massive nativity scene, with its tunnel decorated with sparkling lights. My family and I took many pictures here, feeling the Christmas atmosphere approaching," Dieu Thao shared.

Tomorrow evening (December 24th), the Christmas Mass will be held, a major religious holiday for Catholics, second only to Easter.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

It is expected that La Vang will be even more crowded and bustling on December 24th.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

According to the Bible, Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem during a journey back to their ancestral homeland for a census. Because Joseph and Mary could not find lodging, Jesus was born and placed in a manger in a stable amidst the harsh winter. Therefore, during Christmas, parishioners often decorate nativity scenes and Christmas trees to symbolize the circumstances of Jesus' birth.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/la-vang-lung-linh-mua-giang-sinh-185251223200013894.htm