Hundreds of people have visited the Moving Crib daily in Parnell Square in central Dublin this year almost seven decades after the cherished tradition began.
Speaking to Gript, staff said it was fantastic to see a flow of generations come to visit the Moving Crib, with next year marking its 70th anniversary.
I popped in to see the iconic crib on Monday, and staff said they were happily exhausted by a steady stream of people. I spoke with two ladies, who were working at the Crib for their first time this year.
“Yesterday alone, there were 632 visitors to the Crib. On Saturday, we had 569 in, and so far today, we’ve had 508 visitors, so it’s been very busy. The kids are off school, so they are all able to come now with their families.”
“We’ve had a steady 200 to 300 in during the week up until now, but it’s getting busier in the run-up to Christmas Day. We’re all exhausted at this stage, but it’s been great. It’s worth it and we enjoy it.”
Staff point out that while visitors are not necessarily all religious, going to see the Moving Crib remains an important Christmas tradition in many families, particularly those on the Northside of Dublin.
“We also get tons of visitors coming down from the North. We have loads who will travel down on the bus and train to do their shopping or whatever, and they love to come in and see the Moving Crib every year.”
International visitors have gifted the Parnell Square location with cribs from different parts of the world. Countries featured stem from Poland to Venezuela.
“Not every country is there, but many of them are. People donate them, so it’s beautiful to see all the different countries. People come in and look.
“If they’re from a different country that’s not featured, they will say, ‘When I’m coming back, I’ll bring you a crib from my country for the display’. It’s really lovely. Aren’t they wonderful?”
“It’s the big year next year,” friendly staff tell visitors. “There will be loads of different things happening next year to mark the 70th anniversary. We have been reminding people to call in next Christmas. It all depends on donations too I suppose.”
The Moving Crib brings the Nativity story to life each year from mid-November until earthly January. This year, it opened on 27 November and it remains open until 4 January.
Open seven days from 11am to 5.30pm daily, the Crib is closed on Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day and New Years Day, and closes early, at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Entry to the crib is free and the attraction located at St Martin’s Apostlate runs on donations.
“It’s nice to see that the faith aspect is still there for people, and people still want to come and see it almost 70 years later. We have generations coming in with their children and their grandchildren. We had a lady a couple of days ago – she was born in the Rotunda. Her grandmother, also born in the Rotunda, used to bring her.
“Mow that lady was here with her child, who was also born in the Rotunda. Imagine that ancestry going back that far.
“People are very traditional, especially on the Northside of Dublin. It mightn’t necessarily be that they are all religious people. But the tradition is still there and they value it.
“We’ve had families from places like Cavan, and a huge amount of people from the North this year.”
There’s no doubt that in the midst of the chaos of Christmas shopping and preparations in the home that the Moving Crib offers a nostalgic and memorable Christmas experience, right in the heart of the city.
Elsewhere across the city, the Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House is also drawing in visitors, with a line forming on Monday. Almost everyone I could see who was visiting had small children, who were eager to see the donkeys and sheep.
There was much excitement as little hands pressed on the windows of the crib – which is run by Dublin City Council in partnership with the Irish Farmers Association – to see the animals, who looked content and well cared for.
The crib was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Most Rev Paul Dempsey and Rev. Paul Arbuthnot, St. Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, earlier this month.
The Deputy Lord Mayor said, “Christmas in town is always magic and the Mansion House is looking very festive. The Mansion House should always be welcoming to the people of Dublin, and we want to make sure that’s especially so at Christmas. Children and grown-ups of all ages are welcome to drop by and share some festive joy.”
The Crib will be open on Christmas Eve from 11am to 1pm.