A nativity scene is the special scene of art objects representing the scene of the birth of Jesus. In many families the nativity scene is an essential component of their Christmas decorations every year. Once Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus are lovingly set up in their stable, Christmas can come, also is part of many Christmas pageants.

credit: El Coleccionista de Instantes

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands lying between New Caledonia and Fiji in the South Pacific. The islands called Vanuatu were home to Melanesians for over 2,500 years. There is evidence that Melanesian navigators from Papua New Guinea were the first to colonise Vanuatu. Then, in the 15th century, European explorers and missionaries began arriving and the islands changed forever. Many Vanuatu believe that wealth can be obtained through ceremonies. Dance is an important part of their culture; many villages have dancing grounds called Nasara. A significant traditional event is the Toka festival on Tanna Island, a symbol of alliance and friendship between different tribes.

Traditional weaving as part of a small nambas kastom village tour on Malekula Island, Vanuatu

Traditional food preparation as part of a small nambas kastom village tour on Malekula Island, Vanuatu

Tesi Aurelie’s bungalows on Malakula island. Tesi is one of the many people who has received training and support from the AusAID funded TVET program

Prawn farm, Vanuatu

Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

NiVanuatu artisan replaces a thatched roof on the chiefs’ meeting hall. Vanuatu

Security officer at Port Vila vegetable market, Vanuatu

Sargent Ephraim Kalorib teaching at Vanuatu Police College. Vanuatu

Paul Denny works at a copra production centre on Malekula Island, Vanuatu.

Perry Louis a lab assistant at the Norsup Hospital, Malekula Island, Vanuatu

Kindergarten students during a lunch break at Norsup Primary School, Malekula Island.

Passengers board a plane after it stopped at the first of two stops on the island of Malakula

Third grade students during class at Norsup Primary School. Malekula Island.

credit: DFAT photo library

Pedraza is a municipality in Spain, located in the province of Segovia in the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is located at 37 km northeast of the city of Segovia with a population of less than 500. The main attraction here is the town itself. The heart of Pedraza is its picturesque Plaza Mayor, faced by houses that date back to the 16th century. Its cobbled streets and emblazoned houses form a medieval urban setting where every corner must be seen, from the Puerta de la Villa to the far end of the village, crowned by a castle.

credit: Raúl A.-

Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, located near the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of Bangkok’s best know landmark and the most photographed temple in Bangkok, which features a soaring 70-meter-high spire decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. The Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn.

credit: Mark Fischer

credit: JasonDGreat

credit: Mark Fischer

credit: Chrissy Olson

credit: Jorge Lascar

credit: Andrew Currie

credit: Christoph Rooms

credit: ynnil

credit: ynnil

credit: Nir Nussbaum

credit: Mark Fischer

The traditional footwear is still associated with Holland. The traditional clogs are shoes made of wood. The shoes began to be made entirely from wood to protect the whole foot. The first guild of clog makers dates back to around 1570 in Holland. Clogs come in all colours, but not many sizes!