Over 40 artistic, artisanal and some… absolutely brilliant nativity scenes in the upper historic center
of Castelfiorentino. The inauguration will take place on Monday 8 December
This year promises to be a spectacular edition for the Via dei Presepi in Castelfiorentino. To the point that on a very particular creation, truly brilliant and themed “sports”, there is a rigorous top secret on the part of the nativity scene makers themselves which will only be revealed at the end of November. While we wait to hear more, we are, however, able to provide some previews of the event’s program.
Starting with the numbers: there are in fact over 40 artistic and artisanal nativity scenes scattered throughout the upper historic center that can be admired starting from ’December 8th, even if the spectacular “Bright Nativity Scene” can be seen as early as November 30th in the Parco della Pieve, and this year it will be further enhanced.
Then there are some new features: at the former district prison (entrance via Tilli) there will be, for example, a nativity scene entirely dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, who in 1223 created the first nativity scene in history in the small village of Greccio (municipality of Rieti), giving rise to a tradition that would later spread over the centuries. The narrative of the first nativity scene will be depicted for the occasion by all the Franciscan saints, who will surround the nativity scene. At the “Cassero” (Garden in the Pieve Park) a Nativity scene dedicated to the theme of Peace: a stylised tank of almost real size (five metres) will be placed surrounded by flowers and hearts, to underline the hope of Peace in a world torn apart by violence and war.
At the Masetti Chapel, which will partially reopen to the public, a nativity scene themed around the works of Mercy will be set up. In Via Tilli, a unique Nativity Scene of…Wine, set in a cellar set up as if you were inside a vineyard. The nativity characters will be represented by as many “themed” bottles: from Vin Santo to Sangiovese, and so on. Then there will be the nativity scene set up by the Blood Donors, a mechanical nativity scene, the nativity scene made with recycled materials and the terracotta one, an original embroidery and crochet creation, even a Lego nativity scene at the Santa Verdiana Museum.
Again, Nativity scenes that have made the history of the event, such as the “Meteorological Nativity Scene”, capable of marking various moments of the day and the changing weather conditions passing from morning to sunset, from fog to thunderstorm (including rain) up to the rainbow and the inevitable fall of snow (Church of San Filippo), and others scattered everywhere: from windowsills to balconies, from churches to shop windows, miniature and large. Nativity scenes set up by associations, the elderly (Rest Home “EMD Ciapetti”), the very young people of parish groups, and the students of the Comprehensive Institute.
“The nativity scene is a place of the soul – observes the Councilor for Culture, Franco Spina – it smells of patience, of waiting, of magic, of communion of spirit. It is the story of a collective project that manifests the great in the small and that can still make room for compassion, recollection and tolerance. It is a celebration of life, whether one believes it or not, to the extent that one participates in the joy of the shepherd and the breathing of the donkey. Our master nativity scene makers, led by Stefano Mattii, whom I thank, are testimony to all this and among the founders of Terre di Presepi, the longest nativity scene network in Italy supported by the Tuscany Region, recently included in new projects with the Metropolitan City of Florence”.
“La Via dei Presepi” is organized by the Association “All’Ombra di Membrino” in collaboration with the Municipality of Castelfiorentino. The event –as you may remember – is part of “Terre di Presepi”, the network that includes dozens of municipalities in Tuscany (such as the Municipality of Castelfiorentino). The entire route, as usual, will be visible through a map available online (on the Facebook page of the Municipality and “La Via dei Presepi a Castelfiorentino”). For further information: Castelfiorentino tourist office +39 0571.629049. To view all the nativity scenes participating in the project: www.cittadeipresepi.com
