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Santons sculpted from clay and painted are used to decorate the Christmas nativity scene throughout Provence. These figures not only represent the Holy family but also traditional trades and other personalities from village life. They were popular during the French Revolution when enacting the nativity was banned and churches were closed as the santons are small and easily hidden. The word Santon comes from the Provencal ‘santoun’ and translates as little saint. Since 1934 the town of Aix-en-Provence has held a ‘foire aux santons’ from mid November to the end of the year. Local santonniers come to sell their creations and display their handiwork.
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