NATIVITY SCENE COMES TO LIFE

On the day of the Epiphany or commonly called Three Kings Day ,the official last day of Christmas season, we visited Calvaruso to take a look at  their Presepe. It's their last presentation for this holiday season... Almost if not all of the churches here in Italy have Presepe or Nativity scene on display during the Christmas season.Every presepe varies from sizes, shapes and forms. Some are mechanical others are even  motorized there were some if not mostly are  just plain statuettes.I remember we also own one  before, it was made of strong-kind of paper and it was like a puzzle. But the presepe I saw in this quaint town  in the province of Messina in southern Italy was one of a kind. The nativity scenes were presented  by no less than the locals themselves and the venu is  right in their own community.

the venue

 As I walked from one scene to another, I felt a different kind of sensation. Its like I was transported back centuries ago.  Christmas songs were played on the loud speaker and the cobble stoned-streets were dimly lit.Torches and candles all over the place added more effect.

 

 

 

 

 I was awed by how the participants played their respective parts of the scene. Some of the houses were transformed to look-like the original nativity. Their costumes were just like the dresses one would   usually see in the  movies. 

 

 

 It was fun seeing all of them enjoying what they were doing. It seems like it was natural for them. According to one local, they have been staging this event for about four years already. Another visitor said that this year's presentation was the most beautiful yet.

 

 

As we went up further on this hilly community of Villafranca Tirrena, the scenes were more interesting. There were some who   offered wines and breads. They were very accomodating for photo ops.

 

 

 What really struck me aside from the very good location and solemnity of the set up was the participants, especially the young adults and children. While some kids at their age would make themselves busy with other things, they instead joined the elders on this amazing event.

 

 

 

 

 

 Lastly but the most important, the highlight of any nativity scene is the birth of Christ in the manger. This was presented complete with a cute-real baby!! 

Another surprise here is , with all the awesome sights and one of a kind experience, all of that were free. Just a donation  for the   improvement  of the presepe is all they ask in return.