European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 15, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                It a a y is photos by j. King Cruger Here the Hoty family is depicted in venetian carnival attire. /. Creche figures a family May have there always seems to be room for More frequently new additions Are purchased each year to replace worn or broken ones or simply to add something special to the scene. In Italy these nativity scenes Are known As Presepio the italian word for stable but now used to designate the scene of the nativity with its shepherds camels and sheep the three Wise men the figures of Mary and Joseph and a Little crib containing the tiny figure of the Bambino the holy infant. Virtually All italian churches plus Many in other countries vie at christmastide to exhibit the biggest or most artistic Manger in town. The most famous in Italy is in Rome s Ara Coeli Church where the crib has been venerated As a miraculous shrine. Legend has it that the Bambino having been spirited away by thieves returned that very night knocking at the Church door to be let in by the monks but not before issuing a warning to be better taken care of in future. With Italy being the Home of the nativity scene it is Only fitting that a special exhibit of Manger scenes be staged there each year during the Holiday season. The exhibit is in the Northern City of Verona about a 90 minute drive West of Venice. Now in its 11 the year the International exhibit of Presepio has recently opened in that City of Romeo and Juliet Fame. The exhibit open daily from 9 . Until 8 p.m., runs through Jan. 29. Displayed in the cellars of Verona s roman Arena Are 250 nativity scenes gathered a fishing Village on the Spanish Island of Menorca note the fish filled Basket at the feet of the Hoty family. A Manger stands in front of a Model of Milan s Cathedral. From All Over the world. Some Are antique masterpieces culled from great museums while others have been crafted by contemporary artists in either modern Day or traditional styles. All Are True works of Art with Many of the scenes peopled by As Many As 50 characters plus dogs cats pigs horses sheep lambs and goats. While the holy family is at the heart of All the scenes there is Little else they have in common. The figures Are fashioned from every conceivable material Wood Clay Metal paper Wax cardboard plaster even plastic. There Are mechanical creches like the one in the style of Italy s Veneto Region with its revolving 17th-Century Watermill. Many of the nativity scenes Are elaborate dioramas depicting life in entire communities. One of the most charming of these is from the Spanish Island of Menorca. It portrays the holy family a Basket of fish at its feet As a Humble family taking its jiving from the Mediterranean. Another striking diorama puts the holy family in an Arab Oasis while yet another sets them amid the rough stones and Brilliant sunlight of the Middle East. Adult visitors to the exhibit Are impressed by the artistry and Beauty of the exhibits while children Are fascinated by the incredible variety and realism of the miniatures and by the tasks they perform everything from pasta making to Hunting. Admission to the exhibit is 10,000 lire for adults about $6.25 and much less for children depending upon age. There is no heat within the exhibition area so warm dress is strongly advised. An artist from Mozambique carved these elongated figures out of single piece of Wood. December 15, 1994 stripes Magazine