Comments on: Presepe (Nativity Scene) in Napoli

By: Connie

Connie — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:43:26 +0000

Anyone know the leading artists, past and present in this field worth collecting?

By: Stanley Crabb

Stanley Crabb — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:40:25 +0000

Questi presepi are indeed beautiful, and certainly the Naples Presepio is outstanding. And no doubt each family treasures its own more than any other. However, for its sheer historic significance and its own beauty, I highly recommend attending the “real” (live) Presepio — the Passion Play in Obereammergau. It lasts six hours — three in the morning and 3 in the afternoon and involves the entire townspeople. Considering the centuries that have passed, the wars, the pestilences, the changes in their local governments, etc., it even more amazing that the whole German town of Oberammergau has maintained its promise to present the Play every tenth year out of gratitude to God for having spared their town from the disease, …makes it even more astounding. The significance of this world-class event continues to amaze me, having attended only once. Yes, it is expensive, but what a testimony to their “gratitude.” Saint Frances of Assisi, whose ‘first Presepio’ sort of invented the whole idea, would have loved to see the Passion Play!

By: Angelina Limato

Angelina Limato — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:57:36 +0000

The more I learn about these the more I fall in love with them. We had mangers and I made one myself but they were the usual ones you see here in the US. My family comes from Napoli and nearby villages. My Grandparents never told us about these (out loss). They are fabulous. I found a vendor on e-bay from Napoli that sells some pieces for you to buy and make your own but I can not afford them. They are worth the price but my budget is too slim or I would. You can look at pictures of his shop and it will amaze you the work. I would love to have a small version. Thank you for sharing. I can never get enough of seeing them or learning about them. Buon Natale! Felice Anno Nuovo!

By: Sandi

Sandi — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:47:17 +0000

Loved this note!! Brings me there!! I would love to visit San Gregorio and see all of this live. Hoping to get there in February.
Grazie e Buon Natale!

By: Frank Scaramella

Frank Scaramella — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:42:54 +0000

Would you believe thatI STILLOWN ONE IN MINIATURE TYPE,THAT MY MOM BROUGHT ME ON HER FIRST VISIT TO THE sTATES AND IT IS STILL BEING USED EVERY cHRISTMAS .tHE ONLY THING WE HADDED ARE SOME MINIATURE LIGHTS AND A SPECIAL STAR!gREAT CUSTOM THAT HAS BEEN PASSED ON FROM GENERATIONS AND HOPE IT WILL CONTINUE FOREVER.tHANKS FOR MAKING VEVERY NEW NOTE MORE PLEASURABLE .lET ME WISH TO ONE AND ALL A *bUON nATALE ED UN nUOVO aNNO PIENO DI GIOIA,SALUTE, EBENESSERE.

By: Travelwaves

Travelwaves — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:28:20 +0000

If you live in the US and can’t get to Naples, I highly recommend a visit to the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven CT at this time of year. Every year it puts together several large rooms of large and small nativity scenes from various countries that will amaze you with their creativity!