The Tonala city government has suspended an ambitious – and heavily criticized – project to build the biggest nativity scene (nacimiento) in the world atop the Cerro de la Reina, the small hill overlooking the Guadalajara crafts suburb that is steeped in history.
Also out on hold as part of Proyecto Yolkan is construction of a center for artisans on the iconic hilltop, which is used for ceremonies and dances, the most famous being July’s Tastaones ritual commemorating the indigenous insurgence during the Spanish invasion of western Mexico.
Even before the new government took office in October, work on the massive creche had halted after builders were cited for illegally removing trees. The gigantic creche is designed to feature ten pieces – Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, an angel, a donkey, an ox, a star and the Three Wise Men – ranging in height from 22 meters to seven meters.
Tonala Mayor Sergio Chavez Davalos said money earmarked for the first stage of the project will be diverted to fund improvements to the town center.
City councilors said they would revise the viability of the Yolkan project in a year’s time.