Artists in Naples continue tradition begun by St. Francis

[Michie]

Following the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, talented artists in Naples continue to create Christmas creches throughout the year.

Wanting to emphasize Christ’s birth and show his devotion, St. Francis reportedly said:

I want to do something that will recall the memory of that Child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger, and how the ox and ass stood by.

Thus, in 1223, St. Francis created the first Nativity scene with a manger and live animals outside Greccio, a little Italian village.

An Italian tradition​

This was the start of the tradition of the presepio or Nativity scene, the Italian custom of lovingly displaying a scene of the birth of Jesus over Christmas. In Italy, creating the presepi is part of a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.


Daniele Gambardellaruns the family business, Gambardella Pastori, on Via San Gregoria, the street well known as the origin of some of Naples’ most elaborate handcrafted figurines. He was only 10 when he first discovered presepi in his father’s workshop. Curious to learn more, Daniele developed and refined his talent, skill, technique, and art over many years.

Continued below.

Artists in Naples continues tradition begun by St. Francis

Originally the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, talented artists in Naples continue to create Christmas creches throughout the year.

aleteia.org