Christmas 2024 - The Nativity Scene in St. Peter's Square

THE NATIVITY SCENE AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE

The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square this year will feature a replica of the Grado lagoon from the early 1900s, complete with a beach, islands, boats, and animals, reflecting the lives of local fishermen.

The display will include "casoneri," fishermen who once lived in huts on the islands and only visited the village for special holidays like Christmas and Easter.

The Nativity figures of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus will be placed inside one of these traditional huts.

The project, spearheaded by Antonio Boemo and architect de Walderstein, has involved the Grado community, with 40 people directly involved in its construction and another 500 expected at the unveiling.

One challenge was preventing seagulls from turning the lagoon into a birdbath, which was addressed with ultrasonic machines.

An interesting detail is how the project’s inspiration came from Boemo's personal connection to the lagoon, and it’s a touching example of community involvement in bringing a local tradition to the global stage of St. Peter’s Square.