(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 09.26.2024).- As Christmas 2025 approaches, two northern Italian towns—Grado in Gorizia and Ledro in Trentino Alto-Adige—are set to leave their mark on one of the most significant global celebrations of the season. In a partnership that intertwines history, culture, and nature, Grado and Ledro will offer two extraordinary gifts to the Vatican: an intricate Nativity scene from Grado and a towering 29-meter spruce from Ledro. Together, they will transform St. Peter’s Square into a tribute to Italy’s rich heritage and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.
A Nativity Born from Tradition and Community
The centerpiece of this year’s Vatican Christmas display will be a Nativity scene that goes beyond the typical Biblical depiction. Hailing from Grado, this year’s representation transports viewers into the heart of the town’s historical lagoon life, featuring a meticulously recreated «casóne»—the traditional reed huts used by local fishermen for centuries. This snapshot of early 20th-century Grado, surrounded by small islands known as «mote,» will provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the town’s residents from days gone by.
What sets this Nativity apart is the painstaking attention to detail. Grado’s artisans and volunteers have collaborated to bring this vision to life, with carpenters, craftsmen, and fishermen coming together to honor their heritage. Local flora and fauna have been faithfully recreated to immerse visitors in the landscape of the Grado lagoon. The project, which showcases the skills and devotion of the community, is not just a festive display but a living testament to Grado’s enduring connection to its roots.
The Journey of Ledro’s Majestic Christmas Tree
Standing proudly beside the Nativity will be a towering red spruce, carefully selected from Ledro’s ancient forests. This monumental tree has been chosen not only for its beauty but for its sustainability. The tree is part of a natural forest renewal process, ensuring that its removal does not disrupt the local ecosystem. This commitment to environmental responsibility reflects the values of the Ledro community and offers a powerful symbol of life and renewal in the heart of Vatican City.
In addition to the main spruce, smaller trees from Ledro and surrounding communities will be sent to the Vatican. These trees, decorated by local associations and citizens, will adorn various Vatican buildings and offices, further emphasizing the connection between the local and the global during this festive season.
A Ceremony of Light and Tradition
On December 7, the world will witness the official unveiling of this collaboration during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sister Raffaella Petrini. The event will feature the artisans and dignitaries who made this remarkable contribution possible, celebrating the unity between Grado, Ledro, and the Vatican.
The Nativity and tree will remain on display until January 12, 2025, marking the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and the close of the Christmas season. During this time, millions of visitors from around the globe will have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of these offerings, which symbolize not only the joy of the holiday but also the deep sense of community and shared tradition that defines Grado and Ledro.
Bridging Past and Present through Faith and Culture
This collaboration between Grado, Ledro, and the Vatican represents more than just a seasonal gift exchange. It is the culmination of decades of tradition, particularly for Grado, where an annual Nativity exhibition has become a beloved local event, spearheaded by community members like the late Antonio Boemo. Over the years, the exhibition has evolved into a collective effort, with volunteers pouring their hearts into a project that captures the essence of their town’s heritage.
Meanwhile, Ledro’s contribution of its towering spruce reflects its pride in its natural landscape. The forest from which the tree comes is steeped in history, with roots that go back centuries, symbolizing both resilience and renewal. The act of gifting such a tree to the Vatican underscores the shared values of preservation and stewardship of the earth, themes that resonate strongly with the Christmas message of hope and life.
A Fusion of Traditions in the Heart of the Vatican
This year, Christmas in Vatican City will be a true blend of traditions, showcasing the quiet beauty of Grado’s lagoon life alongside the grandeur of Ledro’s forested landscapes. Together, the Nativity scene and Christmas tree will serve as a powerful reminder of how faith and community can transcend geographical boundaries, bringing people together in celebration.
As visitors from around the world gather in St. Peter’s Square, they will not only be witnesses to the beauty of these gifts but also participants in a shared narrative that connects the past with the present, the local with the universal. It is a story of faith, resilience, and unity—a story that, like Christmas itself, shines brightest in the heart of winter.
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