During the Christmas season in Italy, the presepe, or nativity scene, is a reminder of Italy’s deep-rooted traditions. Italians’ love for art and religion combine in these gorgeous scenes. It’s nearly impossible to visit Italy during the holidays and not stumble across presepi in store windows, cathedrals or museums.
The event Natale in Arena in Verona celebrates presepi from November 30, 2013 through January 26, 2011. On display at Verona’s historic Arena are 400 presepi include different artistic interpretations of the traditional Christmas nativity scene, and are a collaboration of artists, museums, and collectors from Italy and other European countries. The symbol of this Christmas event is a giant star sculpture leading from the Arena to nearby Piazza Bra. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and tickets are 7 euros per person. A portion of the proceeds are donated to charities in Bethlehem. — Elaine Murphy
Photo by alfrephoto, flickr.com