Photo by Richard Bell
The Christmas season is almost here, and to herald its arrival, cities glow with dazzling lights, Christmas trees adorn every public space, families gather for reunions, and most iconic of all is the display of the familiar nativity scene depicting the holy family and baby Jesus.
For centuries, this image of the birth of Christ has embodied faith, community, and hope. But the origins of these humble figurines come from a rich heritage: the presepe. Presepe, or the Italian nativity scene, is an art form that has been telling the story of Christ’s birth for generations.
The humble beginnings of the Presepe
In Italian culture, presepe dates back around thirteenth to fifteenth century. Like many enduring Christmas traditions, the presepe began not as an ornament, but as part of religious worship. The story traces back to St. Francis of Assisi, who, in 1223, created the first nativity scene in the small Italian town of Greccio. But unlike the static ones we have now, the traditional nativity scene was a live performance reenacting the birth of Christ.
At a time when not everyone could read the Scriptures, Saint Francis wanted to bring the nativity story to life. He set up a manger in a cave, filled it with live animals, and gathered villagers to play Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the infant Jesus.
Under the soft glow of candles on Christmas Eve, the faithful witnessed the first live nativity scene. It was not merely to be an entertaining display but also a moment of reflection and reverence. From that simple tableau, the presepe was born.
Over the years, the idea spread throughout Italy, inspiring churches, monasteries, and homes to recreate their own versions. Each community added its own touches—some modest, others grand—but all carried the same message of devotion and peace.
Photo from Aleteia
From devotion to art: The evolution of the Italian presepe
As centuries passed, the presepe evolved from a spiritual exercise into a celebrated art form shaped through time by craftsmanship.
During the eighteenth century, the presepe reached its artistic peak in southern Italy, particularly in Naples. These Neapolitan presepi became intricate masterpieces, filled with terracotta figurines, hand-painted details, and scenes of everyday life that surrounded the manger.
In these elaborate Neapolitan nativity scenes, bakers, merchants, musicians, and other figures, stood alongside Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child. Their inclusion reflected the Italian consciousness then: they believed the miracle of Christ’s birth extended beyond Bethlehem and was part of the ordinary world.
Crafted by skilled Neapolitan artisans, each nativity figure was shaped from papier mâché, clay, or wood, and dressed in fabrics that shimmered with authenticity. Their faces were expressive, their gestures lifelike, and their surroundings energized by movement to form a vivid display of artistry in service of faith.
Essential stop: Via San Gregorio Armeno
To experience the presepe in its truest form, one must stroll down Via San Gregorio Armeno, a narrow street in Naples known worldwide as the capital of nativity craftsmanship.
Every corner of this cobbled lane is adorned with color and creativity. Workshops display life-size and miniature nativity figures, holy family sets, complete with the shepherds, wise men, and even whimsical additions like football players and modern-day personalities. This blending of sacred and secular is evidence the presepe continues to evolve to capture everyday life—and even Italian humor.
Among Naples’ many treasures lies the Presepe Cuciniello, housed in the San Martino Museum. Created in the nineteenth century, this large presepe features over a thousand figures, complete with twinkling stars, detailed architecture, and vivid landscapes.
Even today, Neapolitan artisans dedicate their lives to this centuries-old tradition, crafting complex presepi with the same care and creativity that once filled royal palaces and grand churches.
Image by Pschemp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Regional variations: Naples, the Amalfi coast, and beyond
While Naples remains the heart of the presepe, many Italian regions have developed their own interpretations, each adding local flavor to the tradition.
Along the Amalfi Coast, artisans carve wooden figures depicting rustic villagers against seaside landscapes. One of its most famous attractions is a permanent presepe nestled into the cliffs of Amalfi, where sculpted figures overlook the sea all year round.
In Sicily, terracotta figurines illustrate rural life with color and emotion. In the north, communities build outdoor nativity scenes, sometimes life-size, transforming town squares into open-air galleries during the holiday season.
In some towns, children and families gather each year to build their own presepe, placing tiny figures around the manger in their living rooms. Every iteration is a creative ritual that captures the warmth of the Christmas spirit as the locals interpret it.
From Italy to the Philippines
The Italian presepe didn’t stay within Italy’s borders. As Catholicism spread across the world, so did this custom. Eventually, it reached the Philippines, where it blossomed into a beloved tradition of its own: the belen.
Like the presepe, the Filipino belen at Christmas time, depicts the holy family, shepherds, and the infant Jesus in the manger. But through Filipino creativity, the also belen evolved locally, appearing in homes, churches, and public spaces, often made with indigenous materials and championing local craftsmanship.
Over the years, the Belen has also taken on a new life in community festivals such as Belenismo sa Tarlac, a province-wide celebration that honors artistry through grand, illuminated nativity displays.
Despite their minor differences, both the Italian presepe and the Filipino belen are expressions of shared faith and a reminder of how the nativity story continues to inspire everyday life, even across cultures. Whether in a Neapolitan workshop or a Filipino living room, these nativity scenes rouse a sense of reflection, joy, gratitude, and holiday spirit each Christmas season.
Photo from Positively Filipino
An enduring testament of faith found in everyday life
Beyond its artistry, the presepe endures because it mirrors life itself. The main characters, Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child, now equate to love, humility, and hope; the shepherds and villagers are a nod to holiness found in simple acts, and that divinity lives within ordinary days.
For Italians, setting up a presepe is a reminder of the essence of the Christmas festivities. Each figurine placed, each candle lit, is a gesture of devotion passed down through generations.
Today, as families around the world continue creating nativity scenes, the presepe remains not just a symbol of the holiday season, but a bridge between art, spirituality, and the human traditions that span through centuries.
Keeping the presepe tradition alive
From Saint Francis of Assisi’s humble cave in Greccio to the bustling streets of Naples, the presepe has evolved into one of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Italy and beyond. Its intricate details and heartfelt storytelling remind us that Christmas symbols and traditions endure because it is kept alive by creativity, passed down to generations, and experienced as a community.
Celebrate timeless traditions in elegant spaces where art and heritage thrive. Discover how Crown Asia’s communities let you embrace the beauty of the season every day of the year.
