Not-so-humble manger sets Guinness record

Mario Guzman / EPA

A massive $2 million nativity scene has been unveiled in Mexico City. Guinness says it's the largest ever constructed.

MEXICO CITY – City authorities have set up a nativity scene --  certified by Guinness Records as the largest in the world -- as part of their Christmas festivities.

The nativity scene, which cost $2 million to create, sprawls across the parking lot of the giant Azteca stadium.


The scene, which covers 215,000 square feet -- larger than four football fields, has 5,000 figures portraying 57 biblical passages related to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Organizers said that it took architects, engineers, designers and historians 70 days to create the project, which was unveiled by Mayor Marcelo Ebrard on Wednesday, 17 days before Christmas.

More than 80 percent of Mexico's population are self-identified Catholics, according to Mexican census figures, and another 9 percent are various denominations of Protestant Christians.

Mexico has no state religion, but Christmas and other Christian observances such as Easter are national holidays.

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2 million! the money could have been used to feed/clothe the poor, schools, combat the drug trade, etc. But no, the Guinness book of records is more important! Religion/ego can sure screw up your sense of values!

  • 13 votes
#1 - Fri Dec 9, 2011 5:17 PM EST

Judas Iscariot said the same to Jesus when Mary Magdalene pour perfume on his feet.

  • 18 votes
#1.1 - Fri Dec 9, 2011 5:34 PM EST

In a way, the money was used to feed and clothe poor people. We are not told how many of the people hired to build it or portray characters would not have had a job if it weren't for the project. It is better to teach a person a trade and have him/her provide a service for the money than it is to hand it over for several reasons. First is that the person receiving the money feels better having worked for it and second, more people benefit because the money passes through more hands. The tourism the structure and actors create boost local economy too.

  • 21 votes
#1.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:16 PM EST
Comment author avatarMaster BobExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

Legalize drugs.

  • 1 vote
#1.3 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:25 PM EST

kfanfam. The 2 million used will likely have hundreds of thousands of visitors creating jobs and economic activitiy paying for schools and bringing the local economy up likely dwarfing the money used. Only a democrat knows how to make everyone a food stamp recipient and class warfare.

  • 14 votes
#1.4 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:29 PM EST

Agree with Heather and Jolly Joker. Let's hope that jobs were created and the tourism help their economy. Since I also feel that Christmas has been so commercialized with Santa, Xmas trees and gifts, I feel this is a grand reminder that Christmas is suppose to celebrate Jesus' birth. And as a nativity scene enthusiast, I would have like to see this. :)

  • 7 votes
#1.5 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:45 PM EST

God Bless !!

  • 5 votes
#1.6 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:09 PM EST

don't Ever forget that; Jesus was a poor man's God, and the Rich took advantage of that to Justify Capitalization for themselves......

    #1.7 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:40 PM EST

    don't Ever forget that; Jesus was a poor man's God. and the Rich/ Church took advantage of that, to Justify Capitalization for themselves..there is a Latin Verse to this, that spells the REAL TRUTH......

    • 1 vote
    #1.8 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:47 PM EST

    CHRIST JESUS is available to anyone who asks HIM into their life. Remember Joseph of Arimathea???

    • 2 votes
    #1.9 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:55 PM EST

    I hope you think the same way when you are at Starbucks. Hey 3 dollars a day for 365 days a year adds up. Clothe the poor, fight the drug war, and maybe even buy a mirror to look at yourself and see what you really are.

      #1.10 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:00 PM EST

      The funny thing is that Mexico City has a huge Jewish population. I wonder if they dress up too? As far as the drug war goes.... who do you think paid for this? Yes, Christ Jesus is available to murdering drug lords as well! They pay for this so the Pope will forgive their sins. The Catholic Church is a joke and Mexico is broke!

        #1.11 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:16 PM EST

        Evidently they don't care what civil liberty unions in their country might think or say. Good for them.

        • 2 votes
        #1.12 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:27 PM EST

        2 Million to create that nativity which created many jobs, pales by comparison to what Hollywood pays ONE star to act in a movie. Many get 10 times + more than that. Same with what professional athletes are paid...most of them get millions upon millions to play a game. Not to mention all the perks and pampering they all get.

        • 2 votes
        #1.13 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:14 PM EST
        Reply

        Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

        • 20 votes
        #2 - Fri Dec 9, 2011 5:35 PM EST
        Comment author avatarJson-703315Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

        I wish Mary would have had an abortion. The world would be a better place...

        • 5 votes
        #2.1 - Fri Dec 9, 2011 6:17 PM EST

        How cruel and wicked are you. I pray that one day you will find God and He will forgive you

        • 17 votes
        #2.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:03 PM EST

        This is the ugliest comment I have ever seen posted.

        Pro abortion

        Anti Christ

        I feel sorry for you

        • 10 votes
        #2.3 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:04 PM EST

        Json-703315 is living proof that abortions should happen.

        • 4 votes
        #2.4 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:04 PM EST
        Comment author avatarharrybutzExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

        Json- I agree.. But if Marry would have done the right thing all the Jesus freaks above would have just turned out to be dirty Jews...

        • 1 vote
        #2.5 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:26 PM EST

        Nancy you are a true hick.

        Abortion=good Religion=stifling the rights of people and halting progress

        • 5 votes
        #2.6 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:26 PM EST

        harrybutz: what do unclean Jews have to do with this?

        BTW - Mary only has one "r".

        • 1 vote
        #2.7 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:07 PM EST

        Big Bald guy... Really? What do unclean Jews have to do with this?

        Aborted Baby Jesus= No Jesus= No Christians. Everyone is still a Jew.

        Dirty Jews because they are the ones who finally killed your Jesus.. And they would have actually performed the abortion..

        Mary.. Marry... Merry... Who gives a sh!t.

          #2.8 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:14 PM EST

          I remember hearing, than reading, that the Romans killed Jesus. Have you heard differently or are you drinking way too much coffee? The Romans, Egyptians, Goths, Native Americans, Native South Americans etc. were all around at the time and I don't recall ever reading that they were Jewish, so NO, not everyone would be Jewish...

          BTW - If you want adults to take you seriously, learn to spell! You also don't need to use vulgarity in an adult discussion.

          • 2 votes
          #2.9 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:17 PM EST

          Humanity gets worse day by day, that goes for believers and non believers!

          • 2 votes
          #2.10 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:28 PM EST

          You read the Romans did it? Mel Gibson says it was the Jews... Who are you going to believe?

          Vulgarity? Sorry if I offended you tender nature... Pussy (Cat). Did I spell that right? I don't want to dry hump the COH or Chode of Honor.

          Religion as a whole is just wrong, it has been responsible for more deaths, killing and persecution than any other natural cause... Famine.. Drought.. Plague.

          Don't like me or my words... I can't stand people who think there is a magical entity and place called Heaven..

            #2.11 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:29 PM EST

            "harrybutz":

            You don't have the balls to post under your real name though, do you? Of course you have a right to your beliefs, but so does everyone else. Don't be an ass.

            • 4 votes
            #2.12 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:46 PM EST

            Linda: Thanks. In a free society such as ours, I aplaud harry's right to say such stupid things.

            Harry: The really funny thing is that you think you do, but you have no idea who I am and what I stand for.

              #2.13 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:01 PM EST

              Json- I am a Christian so according to Jesus Christ I must forgive you and say a prayer for you and your salvation. So, I do forgive you and pray that one day you will find salvation through ther actions of the man you despise.

              • 4 votes
              #2.14 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:03 PM EST

              Mockers are fools. Json, harrybutz, just mockers. And mean little mockers they are. I don't suppose their mothers are mockers, though, they probably taught them better. That just wouldn't be right. If they mock their mothers, however, does that make them "mother mockers?" I myself am a Christian but not on par with most others, much growing in grace needed here and right now, not much different in attitude than Json and harrybutz. I am encouraged by the post from Charles-2087110 and I shall follow that example. Json and harrybutz, I pray you never become a Mother Mocker....yep, still alot of growing in grace needed here. My apologies to the Christian community. Json, and harrybutz, I've changed my mind, you have every right to go mock your mothers. Lord, I need help! Okay, suspension is earned. Code of Conduct violation.

                #2.15 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:40 PM EST

                delete

                  #2.16 - Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:17 AM EST
                  Reply

                  I am not stuttering, it is just that Newsvine would not let me post Happy Birthday Jesus in all capital letters...said I was yelling...?

                  Happy Birthday Jesus :O) !

                  • 4 votes
                  Reply#3 - Fri Dec 9, 2011 5:43 PM EST

                  Really? I didn't know newsvine did that haha! I wish I could travel down there to see that set up! I'll bet is awesome :)

                  • 3 votes
                  #3.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:22 PM EST
                  Comment author avatarharrybutzExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                  JEEZUS FRUCKING CHRIST!!! Seems to work just fine.

                    #3.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:52 PM EST

                    Happened to me plenty of times. My cap key gets stuck and sometimes I hit it by accident. Personally, withy my eyesight I wish they would allow cap posts. But, Oh well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS.

                    • 4 votes
                    #3.3 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:06 PM EST

                    HarryButz....do you hate the world that much and so miserable with your life? If you are so against discussion of religion, the nativity scene, and Jesus..then please go and find your atheists discussion group and comment away there. Your hated of the world would be welcomed amongst the other atheists like you. I recommend you try to improve your life so that you are not so miserable and you actually might enjoy waking up in a good mood every day...You are such a sad pathetic species or a male.

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.4 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:09 PM EST

                    Harrybutz's comment are probably unwelcome even in the athiest community. They might choose not to believe in religion or in God (Agnostic) but I doubt they want him as a representative being as vile and disgusting as he or she is. When his time is up on earth, I sure wouldn't want to be HIM!

                    • 2 votes
                    #3.5 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:24 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Even though Mexico City has a tarnished image due to the drug wars, I'm sure the local economy will realize more than triple that amount from the tourist industry created by the display...

                    • 5 votes
                    Reply#4 - Fri Dec 9, 2011 6:01 PM EST

                    Two million for a Christmas display? I know of an orphanage on the border that could really use that money. A lot of the children are there because their parents were killed as collateral damage in the drug wars.

                    Only reason I'm aware of it is because I've occasional emailed with someone who helps there. The kids really need clothes and food.

                    Wonder how much of that display was assisted with blood money donated from cartel killers who confess to their priests, receive absolution, and donate to the catholic church before they go out to kill again, versus government money that could have been used to show some of these children G_d's love instead of just telling them about it?

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#5 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 11:28 AM EST

                    @csreminmimi Perhaps you should share the name of the orphanage maybe God's love would manifest itself. Or, maybe have your invisible internet friend do it for you. But Gods followers are not fools either it should be verifiable. I am quite certain that if it is a state run orphanage then the local churches are already at work there. If it is a private orphanage it is likely 80% or more funded by the religious god loving community. So puit it out there my friend lets see if we can help!

                    • 3 votes
                    #5.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:09 PM EST

                    Newsvine has a poster whose Avatar is James Chivers. Key in his name on the Newsvine search line and send him an email via Newsvine.

                    Tell him you think his orphanage children are fake and his orphanage imaginary.

                    When he gets through with you (his tongue can peel paint) get back with me.

                    You ARE NOT my friend, and I am certainly not yours. I choose mine more carefully.

                      #5.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:27 PM EST

                      WOW screminimi...Someone suggests that you give people information so they can help this orphanage and you bite their head off. That's gratitude??!! I think you just verified Bobby Lane's second sentence.

                      • 2 votes
                      #5.3 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:30 PM EST

                      Just got back to the thread and read your comment, Aggie.

                      I misread and misunderstood Bobby's comment as I was in a hurry. I apologize to everyone. If you all want to help James Chivers and the orphanage he helps with, please do as I asked and contact him through Newsvine email. His children can really use your help.

                      Overlook my horrible mistake, please, and accept my apology for the sake of the children.

                      I have a real anger toward Mexico and Calderon and his lack of any kind of assistance for the victims of the violence caused by the drug cartels, both the children and their mothers.

                      • 1 vote
                      #5.4 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 5:43 PM EST

                      Good to know screminmimi...Merry Christmas.

                      • 1 vote
                      #5.5 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 8:06 PM EST
                      Reply

                      How Cool !!!!!

                      • 5 votes
                      Reply#6 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:05 PM EST

                      Yeah MEXICO! Put the CHRIST in CHRISTmas... embarrassed re U.S. who professes religious freedom and is SUPPOSED to be a nation under God. As far as $ spent it is true they COULD use that $ for the welfare of it's people - but I agree that it will indeed be an investment in the tourist trade which is so vital to Mexico.

                      • 9 votes
                      Reply#7 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:06 PM EST
                      Reply

                      Amazing! Would love to see it!

                      • 6 votes
                      Reply#8 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:06 PM EST

                      More wars have been fought and more people killed over some screwed up religion or belief in some god than all other reasons together. And Jason 703315 you have the right to say whatever you want this is America. We have the right to choose abortion, to free speech, now all we have to do is get rid of all the politically correct sh*t and be ourselves again.

                        Reply#9 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:17 PM EST

                        Yes then we can all live like animals, killing our unborn children and having no morals or values whatsoever.

                        If you don't believe in religion, at the least you can admit it has provided a good example to live by for the past 2000+ years.

                        • 3 votes
                        #9.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:24 PM EST

                        Animals don't kill their unborn children, they wait until they are born then they eat them.

                          #9.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:46 PM EST

                          Bill: Religion has provided a good example... HAH!

                          The Inquisition, the Crusades, The Vatican helping NAZIs get to South America after paying tons of gold. Priests molesting boys, Priests molesting Nuns, Priests molesting themselves, etc.

                          Those sound like good examples of how to live ones life, huh Bill?

                            #9.3 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:11 PM EST

                            Please refrain from lumping all Christians into a war mongering bunch of thugs. The same principle applies to Christians, Jews Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc., as applies to other groups and nations. Every German was not evil in the '30s and '40s, not every Russian was evil in the '40s and '50s, not every Cambodian was evil in the '70s. There were small groups who propagated the wars both internally and against others, mainly using coercion, fear, and hatred to bring in the support they needed to achieve their goals. It is not religion that causes harm, it is people. In some instances, those people who are trying to cause harm or line their pockets or stroke their egos use religion as their rallying cry.

                            • 2 votes
                            #9.4 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:06 PM EST
                            Reply

                            The birth Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Whether you believe or not. so go ahead and bask in and enjoy all your Christ--mas joys and presents and try not to forget who made it all possible. Thank you Jesus.

                            • 9 votes
                            Reply#10 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:18 PM EST

                            Happy Birthday Jesus, This is the true meaning to the season, We love you Jesus

                            • 10 votes
                            Reply#11 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:21 PM EST

                            Would love to see it. Love it. God Bless Mexico City.

                            • 10 votes
                            Reply#12 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:22 PM EST

                            Catholics pour a lot of money into helping poor people. They just don't advertise it much. What's wrong with a huge manger scene? Would you rather they spent it on junk at Walmart?

                            • 7 votes
                            Reply#13 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:28 PM EST

                            Yes, they do. And I have to agree with the posters who realized the economic value of this display. Regardless, it's a very impressive way to celebrate the chosen date for the birth of CHRIST JESUS. Wish I could go to see it, as well.

                            • 2 votes
                            #13.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:46 PM EST
                            Reply

                            He wasn't even born in December. I don't know why they don't celebrate in the month that he was born.

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#14 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:30 PM EST

                            It would be cool to see though.

                            • 1 vote
                            #14.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:33 PM EST

                            I'm thinking they did it for tax reasons, had to make it before the end of the year. Probably was really born in January

                              #14.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:29 PM EST
                              Reply

                              Would love to see it. Wish we could do that here. Really bring the true meaning of Christmas!

                              • 4 votes
                              Reply#15 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:34 PM EST

                              You can do it here people just don't want to see it public property for some unknown reason.

                              • 1 vote
                              #15.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:31 PM EST
                              Reply

                              That is so cool!! I would love to see it in person. Merry Christmas everyone!

                              • 4 votes
                              Reply#16 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:40 PM EST

                              Talking about presents here, what does that have to do with Jesus?--you must be commenting from North America?---Where the Jesus Icon has blessed business!

                              And which one of the appx 200 Jesus candidates in a 2 year period 2011 years ago are we really talking about?. Jews were trying to find the right one, and they are still trying.--And at first the "birthday" was not Dec 24, they settled to compete with the celebrations of the longer days coming (after Dec 21), which was done long before Jesus!!

                              Get real people!

                                Reply#17 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:40 PM EST

                                I think you are on the wrong thread

                                • 2 votes
                                #17.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:50 PM EST

                                I think he is on the wrong meds!

                                • 3 votes
                                #17.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:13 PM EST
                                Reply

                                Very nice ,, that could never happen here in the States , Would just take one person being offended . I like it though , right on Mexico !

                                • 3 votes
                                Reply#18 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:46 PM EST

                                People like Json-703315 dont bother me. They have the right to say whatever they want whenever they want. Its just too bad they have no taste when doing so. Posts like that show the very problem with the world, selfishness. Maybe one day he will understand the beauty Christ has brought into this world, and how much worse we all would of been without him.

                                • 5 votes
                                Reply#19 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:51 PM EST

                                If Jesus, the Jewish fisherman, cum rabbi was alive, he would smack you a few times for rising him up way above where he wanted to be.

                                  #19.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:12 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  All that money to commemorate a fairy tale...they could at least put a roller coaster in like Disney World.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  Reply#20 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:12 PM EST

                                  i see some comments mentioning tourism... who in their right mind would want to visit a drugged out, drug-lord controlled, land? if these idiots...i mean tourists...go there, they better make sure they have their will and funeral preparations all made out.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  Reply#21 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:15 PM EST

                                  Probably the same people who want to visit the United States after reading and hearing about all of our drug and thug problems.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #21.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:26 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  I wish to thank Fox channel for all the hate you have created in the USA. Your attitude that if someone does not believe as you do, then they are "insert any hate word you can think of here". I am very happy that Mexico City has created such a large display celebrating the birth of Christ.

                                  The United States use to display these forms of celebration but the evolution of Fox Hate has taken over. I am not Jewish but the Menorah does not offend me. Nor does the lack of any religious display during Christmas offend me.

                                  Please, folks, if you do not like a Christmas display, look the other way. It doesn't hurt anyone not to look. Be happy this holiday season. Don't fall for the Fox Hate. Live and Let Live.

                                  For my fellow Christans, Merry Christmas and thank you Jesus.

                                  • 4 votes
                                  Reply#22 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:20 PM EST

                                  FlaGal, you are seriously confused.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #22.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:59 PM EST

                                  LOL, really?

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #22.2 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:08 PM EST

                                  Actually Christmas is a religious day that sometimes falls during Hannukah. Get your facts straight.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #22.3 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:15 PM EST

                                  Oh boy! Merry Christmas anyway.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #22.4 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:27 PM EST

                                  Christmas is a time for joy and remembrance of the true meaning of Xmas which is the birth of Jesus Emmanuel which means "God with Us". So that the Xmas. recreatin in Mexico should not be seen by the cost it took to build it, buit by the message it represent. For me it is to remember the true meaning of Christmas that is not consumerisim, but to open our heart so that the baby Jesus may have a loving place to rest.

                                  • 3 votes
                                  #22.5 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:58 PM EST

                                  Fla.gal. You've got it all wrong sweetie. It ISN'T Fox that is throwing religion under the bus.

                                  • 2 votes
                                  #22.6 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 3:49 PM EST
                                  Reply

                                  pot head americans paid for that. so you anthiests quit whining and spark another doobie for the cause of JESUS!!! we believers thank you.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  Reply#23 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:43 PM EST

                                  I think that its great that Mexico has the guts to put up the CHRISTMAS display and not bow down to groups that are against Christmas or other things about Jesus like the United States does.I hope they have prayer in schools also.

                                  • 5 votes
                                  Reply#24 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 1:54 PM EST

                                  ...and they are a 3rd world sewer. What's your point?

                                    #24.1 - Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:15 PM EST
                                    Reply
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