Napoli e I Presepi
Christmas in Naples, Italy is truly spectacular since Naples
is most famous for its Nativity scenes or presepi. Presepe means crib or crèche
and the one place in Naples that is a must-see especially at Christmastime is
the famous pedestrian street, via San Gregorio Armeno. Located in the centro
storico, or historic district of Napoli, this street has hundreds of shops
featuring hand-made presepi.
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Sometimes called the “street of Nativity
workshops,” or “Christmas Alley,” via San Gregorio Armeno in
Naples is particularly popular at Christmastime. Over half a million tourists
visit these small shops which line the street on both sides. Although they are
open year-round, the best time to visit is during the months of September or
October, before the busy Christmas season, just at the time when the artisans
are preparing their shops for Christmas. You can even observe these skilled
craftsmen work on the figures as they carve and paint them.
Presepi – A Tradition in Italy
Complete Nativity sets range from 40 euros to 4,000 euros
and even more. The various shops also sell a plethora of figurines and
accessories to use in creating your own presepe. In Italy, the Nativity scene
doesn’t just consist of Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men. A
whole village is created around the manger itself.
In Italy, every family has a presepe, and starting December
8, Italian families set up their presepi inside their homes, taking great pride
in creating very elaborate scenes with lighting, backdrops, running water and
multiple figures. However, Baby Jesus is never placed in the crib until
Christmas Eve, and the presepe usually stays up for a month until after the
feast of the Epiphany.
Italians are very serious about the presepe.
History of the Presepe
It was St. Francis of Assisi who is credited with
popularizing the presepe, using live animals and real people for his Nativity
scenes. In the 13th century in a cave in the small town of Greccio, St. Francis
built a manger scene and celebrated Mass. Since then the tradition spread
throughout all of Italy, but the Neapolitans believe that they do it best.
Throughout the city of Naples, hundreds are presepi are displayed at
Christmastime. Often the presepe even consist of real people and animals and
are called presepi viventi.
Museo Nazionale di San Martino
If you still want to see more presepi, you can visit the
largest Nativity scene in the world by making a stop at the Museo Nazionale di
San Martino in Naples. A former monastery, this large building is home to the
Presepe Cuciniello It includes over 160 characters, 80 animals, 28 angels and
over 400 miniature objects.
