Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Vatican Nativity Scene

Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Vatican Nativity Scene

The Vatican is readying itself for Christmas, and as always, the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, along with the grand Christmas tree, is a highlight. This year, these festive icons were inaugurated on December seventh. Continuing tradition, the Pope invited an Italian town to contribute its artistic heritage to the Nativity. For 2023, the honor fell to Grado, a picturesque seaside town between Venice and Trieste.

The Grado Nativity scene is inspired by the unique charm of its lagoon. Central to the display are the casoni, the simple fishermen's huts of the region, and the traditional boats that dot the waters of Grado. According to Antonio Boemo, the project curator, "We wanted to recreate the Grado lagoon itself here in St. Peter’s Square." This ambitious vision brought together forty local artisans, turning the Nativity into a true community project.

At thirty meters in length and fourteen meters in width, the Nativity posed a logistical challenge, particularly given the six hundred kilometers it had to travel from Grado to the Vatican. Architect Andrea de Waderstein explained how they solved this with modular design: “We designed the project like Legos, with 102 foam pieces forming the water's edge, assembled on-site to recreate the lagoon.”

The Grado Nativity is also remarkable for its innovative floating design, which doubles as an unexpected attraction for the seagulls of St. Peter’s Square. To protect the masterpiece, ultrasonic devices have been installed to deter the birds. Adding to its authenticity, the artisans 3D-printed the lagoon's native birds and plants, bringing the natural vibrancy of Grado to life in the Vatican.

For the team behind the project, the display is a culmination of years of hard work and a shared dream. “It was my dream,” says Boemo, “and now it will be the dream of everyone in Grado.”