The first model was entirely made by hand by the santonnier. A mold in plaster was poured onto this first model, which later served for mass production . Once out of the mold, the santon is cleaned, then left to dry. Depending on the size of the subject, drying can take between three days to two months. Then it goes in the oven at 900° C. To attain this temperature, 12 hours are necessary while 24 hours are necessary for cooling.

The santon goes for decoration which takes lots of patience and skill. For this work, oil paint is used. The santonnier works generally with family, helped by a few employees.

The Manger is done in homes during Christmas. Around the cowshed where the child Jesus was born come Biblical personalities, people from the daily provencal life, traditional professions, and typical personalities of the region. Ingenuity is usually there to create one's own Manger.

Santons fair: every year during the whole month of December.