Mexican Christmas in the Vatican is a tradition that has lasted more than ten years. This event, which is carried out in coordination with the Embassy of Mexico, consists of annually bringing the presence of a State of the Republic to decorate with crafts the multiple areas of the Vatican City: the Christmas trees, the nativity scenes of the Vatican Museums, and the Paul VI Hall, where Pope Francis holds his General Audiences on Wednesdays.

It was in 2014 when the Jacobo and María Ángeles Workshop made its presence felt at this important celebration by displaying a nativity scene with figures carved in wood measuring between 120 and 125 centimeters, decorated with symbols unique to Zapotec culture.

This event marked a turning point in the production and conceptualization line in the workshop, due to the symbolic responsibility that became tangible when combining the Zapotec worldview with sacred art. It is important to emphasize that in ancient times, the amalgamation of Catholic figures and indigenous symbols was not allowed, maintaining a halo of respect in the production of these pieces.

These pieces also add what was at that time a new technique for the workshop: gold leaf decoration. A practice that has been carried out since the colonial period.

Thus, once again, the workshop of Jacobo and María brings us closer through their pieces to a new way of understanding ourselves culturally through syncretism. It also demonstrates that every symbolic manifestation is possible.