Every year the magic of Christmas sweeps through Saint Peter’s square thanks to the setting up of the nativity scene and the Christmas tree, a tradition started in 1982 following the wish of John Paul II.A magic created by a tight-knit team of engineers and workers.“First comes the scaffolding, which is the skeleton of the nativity scene, and this requires skilled workers: that is “scaffolders”. Then, using the structure as a support, we start with the construction, carried out by Vatican’s bricklayers, who won’t use many bricks in this case as the scene is mostly made up of polystyrene. Then come the painters, who turn the white of polystyrene into rocks and caves; the electricians, who set up the perfect lights for the representation; and finally the gardeners, who miraculously grow in Saint Peter’s square flowers and palm trees in just a few days.”The square,  emblem of catholicity, combines in its nativity scene innovation and Roman tradition: the figures, in fact, were created by Saint Vincent Pallotti in 1842 for the nativity scene inside the Sant’Andrea della Valle basilica. Big mannequins made of wood and papier mache, up to 3 metres tall, whose clothes are created by the nuns of the Vatican’s tapestry and textile restoration team.“We create the clothes day after day, depending on the situation, the thoughts, the occasion. I could prepare something one day, then find something better, more suitable, after a while. It means that for me the nativity scene is a year-round creation.”The nativity scene is an expression of art and faith. It helps thinking, it unites people.“I believe that it somehow unites people. I cannot say it unites the mankind, they would be words too big for me. But it is a drop in the ocean.”

Every year the magic of Christmas sweeps through Saint Peter’s square thanks to the setting up of the nativity scene and the Christmas tree, a tradition started in 1982 following the wish of John...leggi tutto