A true highlight of this holiday season was the near-by, outstanding Massa Martana National Nativity Scene Exhibition: along the main road which winds and climbs through the small hamlet (nominated along with Bevagna and Montefalco as one of “Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy”) there were 25 “stations” (medieval structures which were/are normally in disuse) that served as “grotte” , housing either a main nativity scene or several smaller ones. Over 15 regions/provinces were represented by over 70 different artists, using a wide variety of media ranging from wood, carta pesta (papier maché), ceramic (glazed, enameled or grezzo) to embroidery, macramè, crochet, knitted wool. Several scenes were inspired by major works of art (Adorations or Annunciations) by Gentile da Fabriano, Giorgione and Perugino.
representing Tuscany: a della Robbia style Annunciation
Umbria: a Punto Assisi embroidered-on-linen nativity scene
Umbria: exquisitely crafted carta pesta figures – detail of a nativity scene
Fruili: a bronzed wood carving nativity scene
Tuscany: an amazingly detailed ceramic nativity scene inspired by Gentile da Fabriano
detail of the above
Piemonte: the rustic carta pesta tradition of rural Piemonte
Veneto: the gorgeous carta pesta nativity scene inspired by Perugino
Veneto: fantastic attention to detail in this Venetian scene, using a skillful combination of wood and carta pesta
detail of the above
Campania: carta pesta in the Napoletan tradition
Emilia Romagna: an enameled/glazed ceramic “Three Wise Men” scene
This amazing event in Massa Martana is a popular annual tradition. The Presepi d’Italia event is on display from December 24 – Jan.6 with music, bonfires and vin brulè. A delightful, truly enjoyable highlight of the Umbrian holiday season!
