Greccio 2023: 800 Years Since St. Francis Invented the First Nativity Scene
The town of Greccio in Italy is marking the 800th anniversary of the inaugural nativity scene created by St. Francis of Assisi on December 24, 1223. The Greccio 2023 initiative, which commenced on October 2, 2022, will continue until December 25, 2023, under the direction of Mayor Emiliano Fabi, with backing from the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Rieti. Notable events include Refinding Bethlehem, showcasing works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Tiepolo, as well as Updraft, a performance by Annie Hanauer and Deborah Lennie. An exhibition titled Maria Lai. Il pane del cielo took place at Palazzo Dosi from June to October 2023. Additionally, Il pane di Francesco is scheduled for December 23, 2023. Rieti's Mayor Danilo Sinibaldi revealed an investment of €360,791 for various projects.
Key facts
- First nativity scene created by St. Francis of Assisi on December 24, 1223 in Greccio.
- Greccio 2023 program runs from October 2, 2022 to December 25, 2023.
- National committee chaired by Mayor Emiliano Fabi with Ministry of Culture and Municipality of Rieti.
- Refinding Bethlehem installation features silk curtains with nativities by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Tiepolo.
- Historical puppets from Fratelli Colla at Bethlehem Peace Center.
- Updraft performance by Annie Hanauer and Deborah Lennie in Greccio woods and Basilica Aracoeli, Rome.
- Maria Lai exhibition at Palazzo Dosi, Rieti, curated by Sergio Risaliti and Eva Francioli.
- Il pane di Francesco mobile oven at Piccolo Teatro Strehler, Milan on December 23, 2023 with Fondazione Cariplo.
- Rieti Mayor Danilo Sinibaldi announced €360,791 investment, €65,000 for Presepe della Pace restoration.
- Ascanio Celestini created a show based on interviews with Greccio residents.
- Virgilio Sieni conducted dance workshops with community members.
- Project aims to improve accessibility to hermitages and trails in Valle Santa.
Entities
Artists
- St. Francis of Assisi
- Giotto
- Botticelli
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Tiepolo
- Annie Hanauer
- Deborah Lennie
- Maria Lai
- Sergio Risaliti
- Eva Francioli
- Ascanio Celestini
- Virgilio Sieni
- Paolo dalla Sega
- Emiliano Fabi
- Danilo Sinibaldi
- Giovanni Velita
Institutions
- Ministry of Culture
- Municipality of Rieti
- Bethlehem Peace Center
- Fratelli Colla
- Basilica Aracoeli
- Palazzo Dosi
- Piccolo Teatro Strehler
- Fondazione Cariplo
- Artribune
Locations
- Greccio
- Rieti
- Italy
- Palestine
- Bethlehem
- Rome
- Milan
- Valle Santa