December 14, 2009. It was John Paul II wish to turn St. Peter’s Square into a miniature nativity scene every year for Christmas. It’s been 27 years since the first one was set up, but every year since, mystery surrounds what the finished piece will look like since it’s kept a secret until inauguration day.
Pier Carlo Cuscianna
Director, Technical Services Vatican Governorate
“We like to think of it as a surprise, in fact it’s not unveiled until the 24th, in the evening, Christmas day.”
Preparations for the nativity scene start in the summer. The design and the sketch are approved in August. Then, a model is built to serve as a guide. By November, workers start pulling out their hammers at the square.
The figures are life-size and although those are reused over the years, new angles and pastors are added every year. The figures of the Holy Family are the ones, San Vinceny Pallotti gave back in 1842 for the nativity scene at the church of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome.
Pier Carlo Cuscianna
Director, Technical Services Vatican Governorate
“They are ancient figures. Each year, what they wear changes because the scene changes every year. They are designed by the nuns of the Vatican who are in charge of the tapestry.”
The décor is made of polystyrene, a very delicate material, which must share space with cranes, electricians and gardeners. That’s why all workers perform their task with the utmost care to prevent any damage.
Every year building the nativity scene gets more complicated, as it grows in size and new figures are added. The latest have been workers, peasants and animals.
The nativity scenes of previous years have surprised the world. But as always, this year we’ll have to wait until the night of 24th to enjoy this traditional picture.
MC/PVB
DC / FF / JM
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