Some santons are part of the tradition. Here is the list:
The angel Boufaréu, also called the angel blower. He holds a trumpet and guides the shepherds to the cot.
The shepherds, biblical characters, are the first to arrive at the nativity scene.
The donkey and the ox look at the newborn and warm him.
Lou Pistachié is a farmhand.
The ravi, called Lou Ravi in Provençal, is the village idiot and brings good luck.
The monk is Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of santonniers.
The tambourinaïre, nicknamed Guillaume, leads the farandole with his tambourine and his galoubet.
The Three Wise Men : Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar respectively bring gold, incense and myrrh as offerings and arrive in front of the stable on 6 January during the Epiphany. It is normally at this time that they are put in the cot, a cot that is kept until Candlemas!
The santons of Provence are a great tradition of the region. Today, there are still many santon makers in the Var. Do not hesitate to visit their workshop to discover their incredible work!