During the Christmas week, an event that has been going on for years in my city and the crib path, that is, exhibitions of cribs built by skilled craftsmen and are happy to show to the public. Each nativity scene is built inside a church in such a way as to enjoy the spiritual environment and above all to be kept during the night, when the churches are closed to public access.
The construction of the nativity scene takes on average two weeks of work, although the initial work originates much earlier, with a phase of planning and realization of the characters and the main structures. The detail and the accuracy of the smallest details are truly impressive, I would say maniacal, in the precise positions of the lights, characters and decorations.
What I love most in a nativity scene is the presence of a stream or a small waterfall. The sound of the water flowing between the small stone paths or pushing the mill wheel is adorable, especially in a context like that of the nativity scene, so natural and simple. The sacredness of the church is ideal for the installation of the nativity scene, a Christian landmark that has its origins in two millennia ago.
A soft version of Christmas music welcomes visitors, in a warm place not only for the internal temperature but for the welcome that small churches offer, the soft lights to fully enjoy the visual and auditory effects. Small works of art that the owners are very jealous of, which is why they are always present during the display of their creations.
Viewing the nativity scenes is absolutely free but it is possible to leave offers or small donations as a sign of appreciation and reward for the long work carried out by the artisans and for the certainly not ridiculous costs.
There is a giant version of the nativity scene, which is not part of the competition, however, but is purely for display in the center of the square, in the middle of the pedestrian area. Setting up such a large nativity scene clearly offers greater difficulties and costs for material and processing times, as well as the installation that requires suitable means for example for the transfer of materials such as stone slabs or fences for example.
The tradition of the cribs is very strong in my part. Two years ago, one of the most renowned artisans in the city set up the nativity scene directly in the papal residence in Rome, a recognition and satisfaction that knows no equal. Every year there are thousands of visitors, but last year it was not realized due to the lockdown and this year the number of visitors has inevitably dropped but the beauty and professionalism of the craftsmen is always of a high level.
A beauty to be observed carefully and it is impossible not to be enchanted by the wonderful handcrafted nativity scenes. I hope that I will be able to partially convey the beauty of the installations and the magnificent scenarios represented