One of the most typical moments of the Christmas season is depicting the scene of Jesus’ birth.
Every year, different figures arrive at St. Peter’s Square to commemorate this event together. Not only in the square, but many churches also reenact this scene during this time.
It was a tradition started by Saint Francis of Assisi who sought to evangelize the inhabitants by representing this scene. It took place in the Italian town of Greccio in 1223 and has continued up to the present day.
This is the case of the family business ‘Heide’. They have been dedicated to this type of craftsmanship for over 50 years, working in northern Italy.
GERALD
Nativity Scene Artist
The company was founded by my father and mother in the 1970s. It’s mainly a company of wood sculptors, which is typical here in Val Gardena. In 2005, my two sisters and I joined the company, and since then, we’ve specialized in dressed figures.
Their creations travel far but mainly to Germany, Austria, Spain, South America, and the United States.
GERALD
Nativity Scene Artist
Our specialty in nativity scenes is precisely wood. We carve the heads, hands, and feet from maple wood, which is very hard and allows for intricate detail. Then, the head, hands, and feet are placed on a copper wire skeleton,, which lets us pose each figure however we want.
However, they don’t exclusively make figures for the Christmas season. In a bid for originality, they have started a project in which they depict scenes of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus.
GERALD
Nativity Scene Artist
Not only the classic Christmas nativity scene but also other scenes, and in recent years, we have been able to create scenes of Easter for museums or exhibitions; images that represent the Passion of Christ.
They have several projects underway. However, the most significant one must be ready within two years.
GERALD
Nativity Scene Artist
Right now, we’re working on the Nativity for St. Peter’s Square for Christmas 2027. So, we are already on it. We have already started the work because these figures are life-sized, it’s a beautiful job that takes a lot of time. But we really enjoy it, so we’ve already begun to be ready for 2027.
Not all belenistas have the opportunity to display their work in the shadow of the obelisk in St. Peter’s Square. It is an occasion that will allow their work to continue crossing borders.
VL
