As part of Terre di Presepi, roughly translated as the Way of the Manger, numerous nativity scenes will not only be on display in churches but also line the streets of the Valdarno and Valdelsa. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to tour the route before it closes on January 11.
The nativity scenes range from the traditional to the high-tech. In Signa, one of the scenes is constructed completely from cardboard boxes, while several in Montopoli Val d’Arno have been made from waste materials. Painted plaster-cast wise men present their gifts to Jesus in Nicosia, and new figures have been added every year since 1999. San Miniato features life-size figures. In the same municipality, Cigoli’s central church has one of the largest digitally enhanced manger scenes in Italy, complete with special lighting effects. Castelfiorentino’s historic centre alone has more than 50 nativity scenes on display, including a monumental one spanning 50 square metres.
Terre di Presepi is organised by various regional parishes and educational institutions, with the sponsorship of their dioceses and in collaboration with local municipal authorities. For a full map of locations, visit http://terredipresepi.blogspot.it.
