As promised, here I am with photos of the beautiful fountain presepi, or nativities, in Amalfi. Each December, two of the town’s fountains are drained and then carefully and lovingly decorated with elaborate presepe scenes by locals. These are my favorite decorations of the Christmas season since they change ever so slightly each year and I enjoy seeing how they turn out! This week I’m sharing photos of the fountain presepe in the small Piazza dello Spirito Santo in Amalfi.
Here is the nativity scene in the fountain, which is half underwater and half above water. The manger is empty now, because here in Italy baby Jesus is placed there on Christmas Eve.
I love the interaction between the figures above the water and below the water.
One of the tradition figures in any Neapolitan presepe is the pastore dormiente, or the sleepy shepherd, who is always off taking a nap in the midst of the busy nativity scene. Can you find him?
Here’s a tip … look for a grotto or cave or someplace where a sleepy shepherd might be able to catch a few winks.
There he is! I hope his flock doesn’t wander too far while he sleeps through yet another holiday season! You can see more photos of this presepe from last year by clicking here.
Do you have a pastore dormiente in your presepe?
Related Posts
Tempting Tuesday: Christmas Arrives in Amalfi
Tempting Tuesday: A Walk in Pogerola
Even the statues in the presepi take a siesta in Italy. Too funny!
Ciao Lisa! Ha ha… very true. You're just too funny! 🙂
Now that has made me laugh you two 🙂 How funny 🙂
They do have some wonderful scenes for you all to see and with lovely traditions.
we are on the same wave length. I just posted about presepi today too. Don't you just love those resting pastori? Buon Natale.
I just saw the presepi post that Linda did on her blog – and now you have one too-great minds think alike!! Merry Christmas to you and yours in Amalfi!
Hello Laura! I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday!
I must look more closely now! Buon Natale .
This is our first Christmas in Italy and I am blown away by the detailed nativity scenes. Haven't seen anything with water before this post. Thanks for sharing it. Buon Natale!
How fun! Can't wait to see them in person next week. Amalfi here I come!
Ciao Anne! You'll enjoy my post this week talking about the presepe traditions on Christmas Eve. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday time!
Ciao Linda! It's presepe time of the year I guess! 🙂 I do love those pastori figures and always look for them now.
Ciao Linda Lou! The more presepes the merrier for me. 🙂 Merry Christmas and New Year wishes for you and your family!
Ciao Chuck! Many thanks for the kind wishes. Tanti auguri for you and your family as well! 🙂
Ciao LindyLouMac! They are so much fun to look at!
Ciao Dim Sum, Bagels & Crawfish! Sending you happy holiday wishes down there in Sicily. This is my first Christmas here as well. This year I've seen a presepe in a house with a running waterfall! Buone feste!
Ciao Jul! Have a blast in Amalfi!!