With each “goal,” the lights come on as if by magic. The winner illuminates the Nativity scene and activates the melody of “Santo Natal.“
Monday, 8 December, inauguration of “La via dei Presepi” with over 40 masterpieces.
A brilliant idea, realised in a real bar foosball table, capable of accompanying the joy of a ‘goal’ with the progressive lighting of a nativity scene. Until the winning goal, which seals the victory, illuminates the Nativity scene and triggers the melodic song of ‘Santo Natal…’. This is the latest technological innovation created as part of “La Via dei Presepi” in Castelfiorentino, a gem conceived thanks to the creativity of the nativity scene makers of the “All’Ombra di Membrino” Association, which can be admired along with 40 other artistic, handcrafted and technological nativity scenes starting on Monday 8 December (opening at 4 p.m., Arco della Costa).
After the illuminated nativity scene lit by normal bicycles and the “meteorological” nativity scene, which is enriched with new special effects every year, this year’s “La Via dei Presepi di Castelfiorentino” could not fail to include another beautiful technological innovation which, according to those who have seen it in preview, promises to arouse curiosity and interest among visitors.
Created on private property located in Via Tilli (opposite Piazza delle Stanze Operaie), the nativity scene has been set up with large figures, but it is not visible as soon as you enter the room, as it is located in a completely dark area. In order to see it, you need to play one of the three foosball tables in the room. The “secret” of how this nativity scene works seems destined to remain just that, partly to prevent it from being replicated elsewhere. “In reality,“ Moreno and Lido point out, “the mechanism is very simple, but it’s difficult to explain”. Through word of mouth, the nativity scene-table football game has already sparked considerable interest and given rise to the idea of a tournament to be held before Christmas between the districts of the Palio.
But this is not the only new feature of this edition. Other masterpieces that stand out for their creativity include the “Di..vino” nativity scene, set up with lots of wine bottles (including one dedicated to Judas, hanging from a rope), the nativity scene that traces the journey of St. Francis, the “Presemino” (a nativity scene in motion), the nativity scene of the “Fratres” blood donors, and the nativity scene set up in the Masetti Chapel, which reopens its doors after restoration work. And then there are many precious confirmations, such as the Meteorological Nativity Scene and the Luminous Nativity Scene, which has been further enhanced this year (it took one and a half kilometres of wire to create it) and ensures a wonderful scenic effect at the foot of the ancient city walls.
“La Via dei Presepi” is organised by the “All’Ombra di Membrino” Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Castelfiorentino. The event – as you may recall – is part of “Terre di Presepi”, a network of dozens of municipalities in Tuscany (such as the Municipality of Castelfiorentino). As usual, the entire route will be visible on a map that can be consulted online (on the Facebook page of the Municipality and “La Via dei Presepi a Castelfiorentino”). For more information: Castelfiorentino Tourist Office +390571.629049. To view all the nativity scenes participating in the project: www.cittadeipresepi.com
