Mario Andreoli and the invention of the Nativity scene of Manarola.

The 8 December each year for more than fifty years, in Manarola, Cinque Terre (Liguria), turns on one of the world's largest Nativity scenes. He invented Mario Andreoli, class of 1927, the day of the Immaculate activates the switch and lights up the Hill of three crosses, which are scattered 250 figures covered with 15,000 bulbs.
Here is his story told by a philosopher and a journalist:
"We are in Manarola, in the province of La Spezia, in the heart of the Cinque Terre Park. It is shortly to ignition of fifteen thousand light bulbs that illuminate the crib Mario Andreoli, and between the kilometers of cables spread over an area of four thousand square metres everything must be perfect ".
"Fifty-three, thanks to months of hard, stubborn and silent work, this Christmas comes on board railwayman of thousands, that at sunset turn our gaze towards the high ground by staying breathlessly."

"It was 1961 when my father, on his deathbed, he asked me to restore a cross which stood atop the Hill of family, "says Mario." Fixed the cross, I got the idea to illuminate it with a car battery: the effect was wonderful".
"From the cross illuminated in a crib visible in the dark and the sea is a short step: with iron rods and salvaged materials of all kinds, with flexible and welding machine, the railroad man begins to create the characters of the Nativity, leaving free rein to the imagination. In 1985, when he retires and can finally devote himself body and soul to the project, the figures have already become thirty. "
"Today" Hill of lights "has more than two hundred and fifty, between shepherds and fishermen, sheep and dolphins, seagulls and camels, Angels and Kings: heavy 20 pounds each year Mario, after the September harvest, you load on your shoulder, clambering among the terraces of his slice of mountain, and has an eye from set designer to draw his artwork".

"After February 2, the feast of Candlemas, always alone, Mario unmount everything, piece by piece, and puts his sheltered treasure." It's a huge effort, but is rewarded by the indescribable thrill of seeing it reborn every December 8 "" (t. Panni-f. T, "the male is useless: an essay almost philosophical", Bompiani, Milano 2014).

Il Natale di Manarola lasts until February. To get there, follow the lights.

(Copyright @ItalianWays)

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