Christmas is just around the corner and the Vatican is already getting prepared. This year, the Nativity scene comes from Grado, a historic seaside town near Venice. The Nativity scene is hand-made and is representative of the local community.
GIUSEPPE CORBATTO
Mayor of Grado
Ours is a somewhat particular nativity scene. It is a reflection of our island reality. We tried to reconstruct what would be a small island in our lagoon, with a typical construction that we call “Casone” here. It is a hut made of mud, bricks, straw…. Inside it will be the representation of the Nativity. We will try to recreate this small island in St. Peter's Square, incorporating also the local vegetation, the fauna… The statues, of course, are made of clay, and will have a weight, a special character, something different from what is usually expected. It is, in effect, a piece of our city being moved there.
The Nativity scene will resemble this one, which was crafted by 40 volunteers. The town of Grado has been fully involved in this project, which is a source of pride for all of them.
ANTONIO BOEMO
Project Manager
There were about forty volunteers here, all professionals and craftsmen: craftsmen, dock makers, and master carpenters in charge of creating the typical flat-bottomed boats, since the canals in the lagoon are very shallow, with only a few inches of water. There were also fishermen, who were in charge of making the nets, and, of course, the artists, who made the statues.
Inspired by everyday life in Grado during the early years of the 20th century, the Nativity scene also has a specifically unique element:
ANTONIO BOEMO
Project Manager
The Three Wise Men arrive at the Nativity scene, right in front of the mud hut, the cabin, aboard one of the two little boats that are part of the scenery.
In a unique twist, the Magi will arrive at the scene not on camels, but in a boat piloted by a local fisherwoman. This special element, and many more surprises, will be on display in St. Peter’s Square from December 7th.
BAM
TR: GS
