Page 5 - Italian-American Herald - December 2023

ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERALD
TRADITIONS
DECEMBER2023 | ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM 5
18th century Neapolitan design. The family prides itself on using traditional methods and materials in the construction of their scenes.
Other shops produce lower quality presepi and cheaper souvenir pieces. There are shops that resell mangers and individual pieces and then there are the businesses that manufacture the parts and accessories used to complete the designs.
Many churches, both small and large, have intricate presepi which are on full display at Christmas but are also available for viewing at other times. During a visit to the Capuchin Monastery in Francavilla di Sicilia one summer, our family was delighted to study a large, detailed display set up within the church. I also once came upon a beautiful exhibit in Piazza Navona which was set up in the back of an ambulance. Of course, there are presepi vivente (living nativity scenes) to enjoy all across the country as well.
Not all nativity scenes are set up in piazze, churches, homes, or public spaces. Some
of them are also set up underwater such as the one in Trapani, on the island of Sicily. Another underwater presepio is situated inside the Emerald Grotto located on the Amalfi Coast. This one was constructed
of ceramic and fiberglass and then placed approximately four meters deep sometime
A range of pastori figurines include both traditional and more current pieces.
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