Peruvian nativity scenes are lighting up homes around the world, with exports totaling 545,755 dollars between January and October 2024, and the main markets abroad were Italy and the United States, both of them accounting for 64.4 % of the shipments, according to the Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex).
Italy imported Peruvian nativity scenes for 190,520 dollars, and USA (US$ 161,398), followed by France (US$ 48,904), Germany (US$ 30,474), and Spain (US$ 27,165), Mexico (US$ 22,411), Panama (US$ 11,385), Puerto Rico (US$ 10,825), Holland (US$ 10,246) and Saint Lucia (US$ 6,972), which were de top ten markets destinations.
In smaller amounts were also sent to the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Sint Maarten (located in the Caribbean and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Chile, Belgium, Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Poland, Curacao, El Salvador, Aruba, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Australia and Canada.
Celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship, Peruvian nativity sets bring a distinctive cultural flavor to Christmas celebrations. Regional variations highlight local traditions, with figurines crafted from materials like ceramics, wood, and natural fibers. The largest share of exports, valued at 343,766 dollars were made up of ceramic nativity sets, both glazed and unglazed.
These scenes not only symbolize the birth of Christ but also represent a cherished tradition in Catholic communities worldwide, where they are a central element of holiday decor.
Peak Peruvian export months were July (US$ 181,018) and August (US$ 71,435), driven by early international demand. Lima dominated production, with contributions from Ayacucho, Cusco, and Tacna. Shipments traveled primarily by air (US$ 302,908) and sea (US$ 239,973).
Key players in the export market included Manos Amigas, Intercrafts, and Raymisa, alongside Apumano and Magic Art Peruvian. Other notable contributors were Alpaca Market and Novica.
Despite a slight year-on-year decline of 3.5 %, Europe remained the largest importer, followed by North America, demonstrating the enduring global appeal of Peru’s artisanal nativity scenes.
With their rich blend of cultural heritage and artistic detail, Peruvian nativity scenes continue to captivate international audiences, bringing the magic of Christmas and a touch of Peru into homes across the globe.
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(END) NDP/ JMP / MDV
Published: 12/24/2024