Italy Panorama

Life size presepio

Italian Nativity Scenes

One of Italy’s most enduring and endearing Christmas traditions is the presepio, or nativity scene.  All around the country they are erected – from simple mangers to elaborate, functioning towns – in honor of Jesus’ birth.  They are set up in piazzas, in grottoes, and in nearly every church.  Much thought and work goes into constructing the annual scenes, which are usually unveiled on Christmas Eve and remain on display through Epiphany, January 6.

The nativity is said to have originated in Assisi, first initiated by Saint Francis.  His birthplace is one of the best towns to view a wide array of them, including an open-air life-sized scene on the lawn in front of the basilica devoted to the kindly saint.

Presepio in Assisi

There are many mangers from around the world displayed in the heart-felt church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.  Set in the valley below Assisi’s steep streets, the church was erected around the humble little chapel where St. Francis preached. Despite its size the church has an air of lightness and spirituality. It feels warm and welcoming.

The manger scenes on display range from large, ceramic villages to simple, hand-knit figures, many donated from parishes and individuals world wide, containing symbols and materials to denote each country’s culture.

In Rome’s Piazza del Popolo an annual exhibit called 100 Presepi takes place, with an array of whimsical, cute and outlandish representations of the nativity.  Not far away in the Imperial Forum is the International Nativity Museum (il Museo Internazionale del Presepio) which displays a large collection of historic and artistic nativity figures in an underground chamber.  Though it has strange opening hours, it is well worth a visit.

Living nativities, or presepi vivanti, are popular throughout the peninsula.  They do not consist of merely a few people in costume but instead are elaborate reenactments of ancient life, with artisans and shepherds playing out their roles vibrantly in open-air venues.  One such beautiful living nativity can be found in Cerveteri, about an hour from Rome.

A living presepio at Cerveteri

Presepi are the most popular holiday decoration in Italy, and many make it an annual tradition to stroll from church to church to see the different displays.

However you celebrate the holiday, Italy Panorama wishes you a Buon Natale!

A child's precious work