Do You See What I See? Presepe: The Italian Nativity

On December 8th, across Italy, families began putting up their nativity scenes; however, one does not need to wait until the Christmas season to enjoy the rich artistry that is the Italian nativity tradition. Churches across Sorrento and Naples have nativity scenes up year-round, as do some homes such as the azienda agricola O’Professore in Piano di Sorrento. These extravagant tributes are about more than just the holy family, but are representative of local life. These nativity scenes are built upon the replicated ruins of the old world and take place in Italy, not Bethlehem. From smallest to largest, the detail of these scenes is stunning. While visiting, see if you can spot the hanging balls of mozzarella and the sleeping figures dreaming of the nativity. The largest known nativity scene in the world can be found at the Museo Nazionale di San Martino in Naples. Want to create your own nativity scene? Visit the bustling market that is Via San Gregorio, where visitors can learn how the nativities are made and choose from a wide range of figurines and accessories.