Bensonhurst’s annual Living Nativity a hit

December 30, 2014 Jaime DeJesus

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Helen Klein

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Bensonhurst has been spreading holiday cheer for decades and this year was no exception as the New Utrecht Reformed Church held its annual presentation of the Living Nativity on Saturday, December 20.

From 2:30-5:30 p.m., big crowds attended the unique celebration of Christmas, where real actors wore Biblical costumes along with live animals, such as goats and sheep, to reenact the famous Nativity scene. Children also took part during the event.

“We began the popular tradition in 1956. It’s actually kind of a ‘Christmas card’ we offer to our neighborhood and beyond,” said Vice President of New Utrecht’s Consistory Susan Hanyen regarding past events.

Local families look forward to the event, as they call the church months in advance to see if it will still take place.

Three years ago, there were no animals included during the event, which put a damper on the event for the locals. Bringing the animals back to the celebration has brought back its unique nature and personality.

In past years, hundreds have showed up for the performance, including children, and this time around was no different.

The New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18^th Avenue and 84^th Street, was founded in 1677.