This is a short video of Annibale's presepi village, from Guardia Sanframondi - below are some other details from his multiple creations.
a replica of our local octagonal church of San Rocco in Piazza Croce
He has put vast amounts of work into constructing these handmade artworks - they're not to the highest standard technically, but they're richly detailed and gloriously organic and life-full.
Both the religious spirit of the town and the deep cultural heritage radiates from the wee buildings, all lit up and perfectly haphazard, like the town itself...
wonders of the region and the world!
There are a lot of local politics here in Guardia, which means that for one reason or another, this man wasn't invited (or at least, not invited enthusiastically enough) to join our traditional winterfest event, and the presepi are a little out of the way, off the main road, and up the back of the school.
I only got to see them because Annibale accosted me in the market, insisting that I come right then, and instructing me to invite all the foreigners and call him to open up again... ...
so I wanted to shine a wee crypto light on the beauty, heart and heritage in such ephemeral works...
If you are passing this part of Italy, to pop in and see - just let me know and I'll give Annibale a call!
And again, huge thanks to , whose gorgeous singing I have put here in place of the cheesy beep-boop music that was actually playing!
Blessings and LOVE,