Il The nativity scene is the symbol par excellence of Christian ChristmasIt becomes not only a symbol but also a story. When St. Francis he invented it, he wanted to recount a fact that nowadays seems almost anachronistic: a god who becomes man.
The nativity scene today, the nativity scene yesterday. The nativity scene is always new, yet always ancient, yet still strongly present in our homes and our daily lives.
The word crib derives from the Latin verb “praesepire” which means to fence with a hedge and, therefore, refers to the manger or crib, as told in the Gospels of Luke e Matteo and in those apocryphaThe first and most famous nativity scene was the one created in Greccio. What few people know is that in that nativity scene there was no Holy Family but only a reproduction of the stable. The family was introduced by Pope Honorius III, in the first half of the 1200th century. The use of the nativity scene spread, also giving rise to the laudesi and sacred representations. Subsequently, it was the Franciscan Order, the Dominicans and the Jesuits, with the Council of Trent in 1563, who made it a symbol of Christmas.
Christmas: the origins of the Nativity scene and the Nativity scenes in Sicily
The nativity scene is a deeply felt tradition in Sicily. There are many representations of the birth of Jesus, made of wax, gold, clay, terracotta, coral, etc.; each country offers its own version, also taking advantage of the peculiarities of its own territory and its respective popular customs to attract more and more visitors.
The first nativity scene certificate in Sicily it dates back to 1494, in Termini Imerese. The oldest sculptural representation of the Nativity It is found carved on a splendid sarcophagus marble attributed to Adelfia, found at SIRACUSA in 1872 inside the Roman catacombs of St. John.
The tradition of nativity scenes, handed down for centuries, is particularly alive and widespread in the province of Catania, giving life to a moment of intense popular participation, profound faith, and fervent artistic expression. Many places offer this sacred scene: Caltagirone, Mineo, Acireale, Bronte, Maniace, Vizzini, Paternò, Santa Venerina, Mascali, Giarre, Castiglione, Militello.
Caltagirone: the city of the nativity scene
Caltagirone It is not only known for being the city of ceramics but also that of the 100 cribs. They are kept here Nativity scenes from all over the world. Caltagirone occupies, in the history of the Sicilian popular nativity scene, a very prominent place, so much so that it is universally recognized as the “Nativity Scene City”Here we find the characteristic handcrafted ceramic nativity scenes, heirs of the clay ones, made by the masters of the workshops of the Bongiovanni brothers, of Giuseppe Vaccaro, of the Branciforti and of the MargioglioThe nativity scenes made of terracotta represent scenes of peasant life with typical characters such as the sleeping shepherd, the bagpiper, the seller of ricotta cheese or the hunter. The best quality production of polychrome terracotta nativity scenes occurred between the end of the 700th century and the first half of the 800th century. Every year the city hosts a traveling exhibition with many and particular nativity scenes set up in key points of the historic center. INFO
The nativity scene in Mineo
Also the city of Mineo It is known for its nativity scenes. The master nativity scene makers, respecting tradition, have harnessed their ingenuity, passion, and faith to create depictions of the birth of Christ, with scenes set up with simple materials and populated by characters that hark back to Sicilian tradition and the town's architecture, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. Here you will find the Permanent Museum of the Diffused Nativity Scene that makes Mineo, the “homeland” of the nativity scene all year round. For some years now Mineo a is being set up living crib set in the alleys of the Old Town, highlighting the artistic value of the ancient buildings and allowing the visitor to fully immerse themselves in those atmospheres. INFO
The eighteenth-century nativity scene of Acireale
Another suggestive example of the Nativity is represented by the eighteenth-century nativity scene in Acireale, kept in the little church of Saint Mary of the Snow, consisting of thirty-four life-size figures inside a lava cave, immersed in the enchantment of a unique setting of incredible beauty. It was modeled by the hands of the most skilled local craftsmen, who used damask and gold-embroidered fabrics for the Magi and the Holy Family. The figures are made of wood, but the heads and faces are wax. Alongside the shepherds and farmers with their tools and implements, we also find various objects belonging to the Sicilian tradition including bummulu, in Quartara and Fasciaddi, i carnival, the trusce. During the holiday season in “burps”, open every day to the faithful, evocative ceremonies take place. INFO
Maniace, Bronte: Nativity scenes at the foot of Etna
A Maniace one of the most beautiful and original nativity scenes in Sicily is found here, the Nebrodi Nativity Scene, immersed in a cross-section of typical peasant life in the mountains. The structure is made with intertwined vine shoots and natural moss with a beehive system where the 45 animated characters are placed, handcrafted in terracotta and fabric by master ceramists. The dimensions of the animated structure are: the base of 4,00 x 4,00 m; minimum height 0,10 m. maximum height 3,50 m; it is set up at the Pro Loco of Maniace. INFO
A Bronte,'Socio-Cultural Association “pro eremo” has set up apermanent exhibition of 250 nativity scenes from all over the world at the premises of Via Cardinale De Luca, 49Among the most spectacular nativity scenes are those made of chocolate, cotton, moving, papier-mâché, coral and mother-of-pearl and the dioramas. INFO
The Nativity Scene in Giarre, Mascali, and Castiglione di Sicilia
Giarre, has been welcoming the Nativity Scene Museum, the city's main tourist attraction, a destination for visitors from all over Sicily and beyond. It offers over 200 works Created by local and national nativity scene masters, the museum features not only nativity scenes but also various evangelical scenes, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, leaving visitors in awe.
A Nunziata of Mascali, it is made Sicilian living nativity scene, which for the 2017/18 edition was awarded as best living nativity scene in Italy by Sicula Tradizione Etnea. INFO
Castiglione di Sicilia hosts the fourth edition of the Nativity scene in the Nativity scene of the Giudecca Jewish, the traditional living representation of the Nativity set up in the ancient quarter of the medieval village. INFO
The tradition of living nativity scenes
There are many cities and towns where you can admire this particular theatrical performance. To take the place of the typical statuettes that we find in classic nativity scenes are real people, who become actors and dedicate themselves with faith and passion to this important moment. Everything is, of course, taken care of down to the smallest detail, from the scenography to the various details and there are many people who go to admire the various living nativity scenesA centuries-old Italian tradition. These are scenes of great charm and great tourist attraction.
The Verga nativity scene in Vizzini
One of the most beautiful living nativity scenes worth seeing is the one made in VizziniThis is an unpublished representation of the Nativity inside the short stories by Giovanni Verga and a unique theatrical production in the world which tells the Nativity within the Verghian reality where the various people live Characters from Cavalleria Rusticana, The She-Wolf, Gramigna's Lover, The Story of a Blackcap, Nedda, Mazzarò, I Malavoglia, Jeli the Shepherd who will be the protagonists of the events of this surreal journey to pay homage to Baby Jesus. INFO
The living nativity scene in Cosentini Park in Santa Venerina
The location for the nativity scene is particular Santa Venerina, organized by the "Living Nativity Committee" and the entire community of the "Maria SS. Del Rosario" Parish, with the patronage of the Municipality of Santa Venerina and the Sicilian Region. The designated location is in fact the Cosentini Oasis Park. THE Natural lava stone paths, among the lush vegetation of the Ancient Aci Forest become the paths of old Bethlehem. Here the ancient Sicilian professions are revived: the embroiderers, the innkeeper, theavannari, u carpentami; then you can participate by tasting the typical products: the fritters, the pani cunzatu, the ricotta, the ciciri. INFO
The Nativity at the Gancia in Paternò
Paternal sets the nativity in theancient medieval village of Gancia. This is a original living nativity scene, which constitutes a rare moment of spiritual reflection and also a notable cultural opportunity. The characters, in period costume and by torchlight, move along the slope of the hillThe extraordinary suggestiveness of the neighborhood as well as the originality of the scenography reproducing the peasant civilization of Paternò at the end of the nineteenth century, the composure, the interpretative pathos, the re-enactment of ancient trades, places now in disuse, come back to life thanks to the event, enlivened by the sound of the Etna ciaramelle, From peasant party, From tasting of typical products such as freshly prepared ricotta, orange marmalade, warm bread with local oil, chickpeas cooked; the cheerfulness of the characters makes the visitor a protagonist participating in the event. INFO
In Militello Val di Catania
At Archaeological Park of Santa Maria la Vetere, inside natural caves, In the municipality of Militello Val di Catania, takes place third edition of the living nativity scene, set up by the "Itinerari d'arte" association, in a unique, magical, and evocative setting. The event will be enlivened by 60 participants, complete with a nativity procession starting from the Town Hall. It should be remembered that since 2002, Militello has been part of the sites protected by UNESCO.
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misterbianco
In the town of misterbianco, at the Roman baths of the imperial age, this year a nativity scene with life-size statues, rich in detail, designed by Vito Lombardo at the request of local residents. It was inaugurated on December 22nd and can be visited until January 6th. It is a small thermal building belonging to a private villa and dating back to various construction periods.
In Catania…
Suggestive nativity scenes can also be found in CataniaFrom the Cathedral in Piazza Duomo to the churches on Via Crociferi, every place of worship in Catania has created an artistic nativity scene. How can we forget the one in the Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata, in the fascinating Crociferi StreetThis is a handcrafted nativity scene measuring 18 square meters. We recall the nativities present in the Sant'Agata Abbey, in the Diocesan Museum and in the Collegiate Church. This year, the nativity scene has also been set up at the Achilliane Baths in Piazza Duomo, with over 30 pieces made by the master Dino Cunsolo, who the Recca Gallery he donated to the cathedral.
The AMT Catania SpA and AMAS (Mediterranean Association of Historic Buses) they made a traveling nativity scene inside the vehicle, a Fiat 470, made by Mr. BuscemiOver the past few weeks, the historic bus has stopped in the squares of the six districts and the historic center, visiting schools, sick children at the Policlinico and the children of inmates at Bicocca with traditional Christmas carols.
At the sea
At the small port of Saint John Li Cuti An underwater nativity scene will also be set up, created by the Pesca & Mare Association of San Giovanni Li Cuti and ASD Katane Diving Club, with the collaboration of the Parish of Santa Maria della Guardia in Ognina and the local Volunteer Associations.
Also interesting is the Trezzoto nativity scene, made inside the Faraglioni Tower, better known as "Bastion" in fishing village dear to Verga. It is the first once you can witness a similar experience at the Fantasticheria and Acitrezza Study Center associations. INFO
There are many ways to experience Christmas in our city and the Etna villages, with free admission or a small ticket that helps nurture and perpetuate these traditions that are part of our genetic makeup.
Sources: https://www.blogsicilia.it
http://pti.regione.sicilia.it/
cover photo: Sicily Guide
