St. Peter's Square Shines Bright for the Holidays | Vaticano

St. Peter's Square Shines Bright for the Holidays

On December 8, the Nativity Scene and tree in St. Peter’s Square were solemnly inaugurated. A majestic 29-meter-tall Norway Spruce, donated by the community of Ledro in Trentino and responsibly harvested according to ecological principles, was presented during the ceremony. This year’s nativity scene features a piece of the Grado Lagoon from Friuli Venezia Giulia, showcasing maritime traditions and authentic lagoon-inspired settings.

Continuing the tradition, the display is complemented by the exhibition “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican.” Catherine, a volunteer for the exhibition, highlighted its diversity: “This year we have 130 nativity scenes, and 21 countries have brought their own. There’s a very beautiful one inside an iron or even inside a shell. The Italian nativity scenes, the classic ones, are truly stunning.”

For Simona, the highlight was personal: “We liked the one made by my daughters’ school in Orbassano, here in Rome, the most. That’s why we came specifically to see it. The others are also beautiful, of course, but for us, the most special one is theirs because it was made by the children.”

Massimiliano, a nativity scene artisan, shared his joy: “I’ve already had the pleasure of exhibiting twice at the 100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican. The first experience, in 2019, was unforgettable. When Pope Francis arrived and stopped in front of my nativity scene, he was amazed by the innovation I introduced—scenes came to life by pressing buttons. He was as delighted as a child. For us, Christmas is joy and a message, and the nativity scene embodies that.”

Simona added, “Christmas is emotion, joy, peace, the birth of Baby Jesus. Each time, it marks the beginning of a new era for us.” Vanessa concluded, “It’s a time to be with family and to celebrate our beliefs.”