Although wood and plastic are traditionally used for nativity scenes, this year the Vatican decided to use a more environmentally friendly material for these purposes, namely sand. However, it's not just about ecology: the unusual nativity scene in 2018 goes back to the old tradition of the Italian city of Jesolo, 'Blagovest-info' recalls. It is from here, as 'Italy in Russian' specifies, that 900 tons of sand will be brought to Rome. The nativity scene at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican will take up over 25 square meters. At the same time, the sandy bas-relief located in the center of the composition will be located on 16 of them, its height will be six meters, and its depth will be five. The construction of the entire den will take about a thousand cubic meters of natural material. The grandiose sand nursery will be the fruit of the joint work of four sculptors who arrived in Rome from Holland, Russia, the USA and the Czech Republic. The construction of the nursery for the Holy Family has already begun - the craftsmen plan to finish the work on December 7, when the finished nativity scene in a solemn atmosphere will be opened for the first time to the eyes of believers. “When I sent this innovative proposal to the Holy See, I was convinced that the Pope would give the go-ahead and that our region would make a good impression. I am convinced that the presepe will go down in the history of the Christmas creches ever installed in Piazza San Pietro, ”says the Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moralia. The sand nativity scene on the main square of the Vatican can be seen until January 13 next year.
Share:
