If you were to visit Italy during the holiday season, you will notice a great number of "Presepi", which is plural for "Presepio", or the traditional Christmas nativity scene with figurines.

They will usually start on or after December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and continue through the Epiphany on January 6th. (view list of Epiphany Celebrations in Italy)

You will find them in churches, public squares, piazzas, stores, etc. and many Italians will set one up in their home.

According to historians, the original nativity scene was first used by St. Francis of Assisi back in the 1200's.

A great place to see more presepi is in Naples, Italy along Via San Gregorio Armeno, where you will see many of the craftsmen showing off their masterful works.  The street will have displays and stalls and has a festive ambiance during the holiday season.You can also see many other great nativity scenes in Rome, especially around Piazza Navona, and other parts of southern Italy in particular.

The picture of the nativity scene (above right) was taken at the Ceramics Museum (Museo della Ceramica) in Caltagirone, Sicily.

Buon Natale - Merry Christmas