Traditionally, the main focus of Christmas decorations in Italy is the presepe, Nativity scene or creche. Nearly every church will have a presepe and they are often found outdoors in a square or other public area as well. Displays often go beyond just the nativity scene and may even include a representation of the entire village or a part of the town. Presepe are usually set up for about a month, starting around December 8, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.
Many people set up a small Christmas crib in their house and figurines for nativity scenes are made in many parts of Italy, with some of the best coming from Naples and Sicily. Although the presepe is usually set up before Christmas, the baby Jesus is added to the nativity on Christmas Eve.
The Nativity scene or Christmas crib is said to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Although he may not have been the first to construct one, he started the tradition when he constructed a nativity scene out of straw in a cave in the town of Greccio and held Christmas Eve mass there. Greccio reenacts this event each year. Carving figurines for nativity scenes started in the 13th century.
Many people set up a small Christmas crib in their house and figurines for nativity scenes are made in many parts of Italy, with some of the best coming from Naples and Sicily. Although the presepe is usually set up before Christmas, the baby Jesus is added to the nativity on Christmas Eve.
The Nativity scene or Christmas crib is said to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Although he may not have been the first to construct one, he started the tradition when he constructed a nativity scene out of straw in a cave in the town of Greccio and held Christmas Eve mass there. Greccio reenacts this event each year. Carving figurines for nativity scenes started in the 13th century.