The first Christmas tree in front of St Peter’s Basilica was erected in 1982 which, while not as recent as I might like to think, is neither aeons ago. Greenery bringing light and life to the darkest of days is an emphatically Nordic tradition; the festive decorations of the Italian peninsula traditionally revolve around the
Great piece Agnes I share your fascination of presepi One year we visited that street in Naples where they sell all the figures- even someone making pizza.
It's a perennial joy to go presepe hopping around Rome. There's been a lot of upgrading over the years. Sadly, I'll have to miss this Christmas so your walk will be much appreciated.
Thanks so much for this wonderful post! I too, adore precepe! When I was a child, my mother always brought us to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in the Bronx, in NY, where she grew up. There was an enormous precepio in the corner of the church that encompassed an entire village with mountains and running streams. I've been hooked ever since!
Agnes! We love your writing and today you did it again! Having recently spent two weeks wallowing in the Preseppi (“on the right side of kitsch”) in Naples, you amused us again with your graphic descriptions and your wonderful turn of phrase, so entertaining!
Your mastery of English and the camera always delight us!
Great piece Agnes I share your fascination of presepi One year we visited that street in Naples where they sell all the figures- even someone making pizza.
Thanks Dianne, yes that's via San Gregorio Armeno!
It's a perennial joy to go presepe hopping around Rome. There's been a lot of upgrading over the years. Sadly, I'll have to miss this Christmas so your walk will be much appreciated.
Thanks Wim, I'll see you for the virtual walk on Saturday!
Thanks so much for this wonderful post! I too, adore precepe! When I was a child, my mother always brought us to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in the Bronx, in NY, where she grew up. There was an enormous precepio in the corner of the church that encompassed an entire village with mountains and running streams. I've been hooked ever since!
A lovely memory!
The Art Institute in Chicago exhibits a huge Neapolitan presepe (they use the term creche), every December, and it is absolutely BONKERS.
I like this comment!
Agnes! We love your writing and today you did it again! Having recently spent two weeks wallowing in the Preseppi (“on the right side of kitsch”) in Naples, you amused us again with your graphic descriptions and your wonderful turn of phrase, so entertaining!
Your mastery of English and the camera always delight us!
Buon Natale a voi tutti, e Buon Nuovo Anno!
Still giggling...... John and Ellie Picone
thanks Ellie and John, buon natale e buon anno a voi! x
Absolutely marvellous capture of all that is joyful about presepe. Thank you 😊