The moving nativity scene of Novoli

In the delightful town of Novoli, a stone's throw from the historic center, every year the doors open to a completely handcrafted moving nativity scene, the work of Raffaele and Massimiliano Vetrugno (father and son).

The nativity scene is over 20 meters long and almost seven meters deep. The stage set lasts 10 minutes, and recreates all the atmospheres and sounds of a Bethlehem that wakes up at dawn and continues in the sounds of the shops throughout the day.

The first figure that opens and closes a window marks the rhythm of the day. It is an old lady who opens the doors of the wooden house and closes the shutters at sunset.

At dawn and the first light of day, lightning and thunderstorms follow, a morning shiver that marks the atmospheric precariousness of a cold and freezing December.

But soon the town comes alive with the noises of the craftsmen, the sounds of the animals, and the noisy voices of the merchants.

The day goes on and when the sun is on the verge of hibernation, a dusting of snow falls from the sky and gathers around the cave where Our Lord is born.