CEDAR CITY – Nativity scenes from across the world will be on display at the annual Creche Festival Sunday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the LDS Canyon View Stake Center on 1985 N. Main St.

The word crèche is an old French word meaning “manger” and has come to represent the symbolic representation of the birth of Jesus Christ, or nativity scenes. The annual crèche festival in Cedar City displays collections of nativity scenes from all over the world.

“Every year we have very unique collections of nativity scenes,” said organizer Chris Vickers. “Everything from very old antiques to the most modern versions available.”

Anyone can bring their nativity scene, or collection of nativity scenes, to be displayed at the festival.

“If people come around 4:30 that afternoon we will collect the scenes and type up a sign to display with them,” Vickers said.

The festival will also feature Christmas music from around the world.

“We have all kinds of different groups coming to perform for us,” Vickers said. “Everything from church choirs to school groups. It’s very rare to have so many different groups performing so many different types of Christmas songs from around the world at one event.”

There will also be live nativity scenes featuring primary children from the LDS Canyon View Stake.

“The different primary groups provide their own costumes and children, and then in 20 minute increments they perform the nativity on stage,” Vickers said.

“In the past we used a live Donkey but there were some accidents,” Vickers joked. “We’re not sure about it this year.”

While the event is sponsored by the LDS church, it is non-denominational and traditionally has had help and involvement from several area churches. This involvement is part of the reason the festival has grown in popularity.

“It’s just a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas and to listen to great music,” Vickers said.