Nativity scenes and the Italian tradition
Christmas is around the corner and as tradition has it in every city different nativity scenes are set up every year, both classic and unique, as well as the living ones thanks to which the Christmas atmosphere is recreated allowing for a deep dive into the past. Let us see what are the 5 nativity scenes absolutely worth seeing in Italy!
Bried history of the nativity scene
Before discovering what are the nativity scenes absolutely worth seeing in Italy, who should mention the origin of the word presepe. The word comes from the latin “praesepe” which literally means manger: the small bed where Jesus was born according to the Christian tradition gives the name to the entire setting that every year is exhibited traditionally in almost every Italian home.
In addition, another very important feature is that the first crib in the world was represented in December 1223, thanks to Saint Francis of Assisi: In fact, he set up the crib to allow an emblematic representation of the birth of Jesus especially for the benefit of all illiterate Christians. Since then it has become a tradition that you can not give up: so let’s find out what are the cribs to see absolutely in Italy.
1) The bread nativity scene in Senigallia
One of the most particular and characteristic nativity scenes was inaugurated on 9 December in Senigallia, in the province of Ancona: this year too the bread nativity scene was set up, which has had a lot of success in previous editions. Bread which has always been of Italy’s main foods is in this case the foundation to build a one of a kind nativity scene
The inauguration was held in via Cavallotti 11 in front of the community’s top authorities: a particular invitation was made to the children who received many sweets among which were some made with bread and almonds. The initiative has more than one purpose: in fact every tuesday, thursday and saturday from 10 am to 12 pm in the same location food supplies will be delivered to families in need, a way to keep up with the Christmas spirit.
2) The sand nativity scene of Scorrano
Another must see nativity scene in Italy is the one in Scorrano, Puglia. It has been inaugurated recently in the cloister of the convent of the Agostiniani a huge sand nativity scene: this year’s theme is the environment and solidarity.
In fact, in addition to the other classical figurines, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, solidarity utmost symbol and Greta Thunberg, one of the most popular environmental activists in the world have been represented. It is possible to visit the nativity scene on weekdays from 5 to 9 pm, on saturday and sunday and holidays from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3.30 to 10 pm.
3) The floating nativity scene in Cesenatico
The floating nativity scene is located in Cesenatico, in Emilia-Romagna: from the first sunday of December up to 16 of January 2022 it is possible to enjoy it in the Museo della Marineria near the Porto Canale Leonardesco. By now it has become a tradition that has been going on for many decaded; together witht the traditional figurines of the nativity scene you can also see the character of St Giacomo, the saint of carpenters, puppet masters, fishermen, musicians and many more, for a total of about 50 statues featured.
One of the things that make this nativity scene unique is that they are life size, with clothes and made from pinewood. Moreover, thsnks to the setting in which it features, the water makes it all greatly compelling, a one-of-a-kind situation for visitors who decide to come by Cesenatico.
4) Il presepe più grande del mondo a Manarola
In Manarola in Liguria there is the biggest nativity scene in the world: this year it will be illuminated starting from December 8 throughout the Christmas period. The idea sparks in Mario Andreoli’s mind, ex railway worker currently on retirement: it has created a one of a kind nativity scene, with about 8 kilometers of electric cables, 17 thousand light bulbs and about 300 full-size figurines.
One of the fun facts related to this nativity scene is that in addition to being the biggest in the world it is also sustainable: the idea was to use waste and scrap material and to create a system of photovoltaic panels to light up the whole hill. A way to live the magic of Christmas having tradition and environmental sustainability co-exist.
5) The nativity scene in San Gregorio Armeno alley in Naples
The last nativity scene absolutely worth seeing in Italy is the one in San Gregorio Armeno alley in Naples: in reality, we should be talking about nativity scenes, for during the Christmas period you can buy throughout the street the many figurines and settings.
In this case however in Naples nativity scenes the figurines are dressed in the local way and they somehow the sacred and the profane: it is possible to find some figurines among which is the gipsy that tells the future, the whore, or the fisher that embodies the fishing of souls.
But there is more: every here in this street you can find small figurines of famous people among which stand out: Totò, Pino Daniele, Renato Zero, Fantozzi, Bebe Vio, all the way to the British royal family, a very unique way to customize one’s own nativity scene.
Those described above are only some of the nativity scenes worth seeing in Italy: if you want to live a unique experience, you could visit the living nativity scenes, for example that in Custonaci in Trapani or the living nativity scene in Sassi di Matera!