• Home
  • Travel Guides
  • Lifestyle
  • Queer News
  • Q Channel
  • Italy Gay Travel
  • English
Menu
  • Home
  • Travel Guides
  • Lifestyle
  • Queer News
  • Q Channel
  • Italy Gay Travel
  • English
Facebook Instagram Youtube Twitter
  • About us
  • LGBTQ Italy Guide
  • Plan your Trip
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • LGBTQ Italy Guide
  • Plan your Trip
  • Contact us
Search
Close

The Italian nativity scenes

Redazione by Redazione
21 December 2021
Reading Time: 2 mins read

One of Italy’s most revered Christmas traditions is the presepe (often called creche or “nativity scenes” in English).  The presepe is the main focus of Christmas decorations in Italy.  Every church has one, and they can be found in many piazzas and other public areas.  

The presepe was popularized in the 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi.  The tradition then was to use live animals and real people.  This tradition continues today in Southern Italy starting around December 8 and running through January 6.  It is unlikely there will be any live nativity scenes in Italy this year, but it is well worth visiting one if you find yourself in Italy during the holidays post-pandemic.

One very famous presepe is near Naples, in San Giorgio a Cremano.  This is more of a village than a traditional manger scene, and the town also hosts an annual exhibition of presepe figures from all over Italy.  Some are extremely detailed, and represent modern figures as well as traditional characters.  There is even a nationwide association dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the presepe cultural tradition (Associazione Italiana Amici del Presepio).

In recent years, a special attention has been given to gay nativity scenes. The first one took place in Los Angeles, California, where two Saint Josephs are looking after the Holy Baby. In 2017, the nativity scene was recreated at the Vatican, where it was showcased with many other nativity scenes from all over the world.

Milan has always been a trailblazer in gay Christmas celebrations.  The gay district of Porta Venezia usually hosts the gay choir ‘Checcoro’, a Christmas market for charity, as well as free HIV tests.  Many gay pubs and bars organize holiday parties, always featuring ‘panettone’ and ‘vin brulée’.

This Christmas will be very different…no public celebrations, no bars or restaurants open.  It will be a time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, trying to comfort our friends and family who may be very lonely and giving thanks for what we have, while looking for a much brighter year in 2021.

Share120Tweet75

Related Posts

Santa Marinella Grottaferrata 2022
Queer News

LGBTQ+ Italy Shines in the Latest Issue of QMagazine

6 December 2022

November 2022 has been a milestone for LGBTQ+ Italy on a global scale. Milan hosted an international convention on LGBTQ+ tourism called IGLTA, at which thousands of professionals from the travel and hospitality industry got to experience what makes...

Milan Rainbow
Queer News

Gay Milan: Everything You Need To Know Ahead of the 2022 IGLTA Convention

31 March 2022

Gay Milan is preparing to welcome the 38th IGLTA Convention on LGBTQ+ tourism for the first time in Italy from October 26 to 28, 2022 at UNAHOTELS Expo Fiera. Tour operators from all over the world will arrive to...

Lifestyle

Puglia Interview, Part II….

14 April 2022

What are some of your favorite places in Puglia to visit for queer travelers? Puglia’s best-known destinations include Bari, Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello, Ostuni, Gallipoli and Otranto. Personal favorites are Vieste and Peschici in Gargano and at the...

Step into a brighter autumn together at McArthurGlen Serravalle Designer Outlet
Lifestyle

Step into a brighter autumn together at McArthurGlen Serravalle Designer Outlet

21 December 2021

McArthurGlen Serravalle Designer Outlet welcomes you to celebrate the start of Autumn and make it a Season of discoveries a time to experience the joy of a prestigious designer shopping experience with fashionable styles to suit all tastes. Visit...

About Quiiky Magazine

Quiiky Magazine

Quiiky Magazine

Italian LGBTQ+ Travel & Lifestyle Portal

Quiiky Magazine is the premier Italian lifestyle and travel portal dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers, featuring articles on Italian destinations, cuisines, wines, art, history and culture.

Download our Magazine

Categories

  • Lifestyle (17)
  • Queer News (13)
  • Travel Guides (67)
QUIIKY TOUR OPERATOR

VIAGGI LGBTQ+ TAILOR MADE

Scopri di più ⟶

media partner

We support

Member of

Newsletter

Ricevi tutte le novità dall’universo rainbow

Clicca qui

© 2022 Quiiky Magazine by Sonders&Beach - ROC Lombardia n. 21970 del 13/02/2012 | ISSN 2281-6186

Privacy Terms

  • About us
  • Advertising
  • LGBTQ+ Italy Travel Guide
  • Contact us
  • Plan your Trip
  • About us
  • Advertising
  • LGBTQ+ Italy Travel Guide
  • Contact us
  • Plan your Trip
  • English