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Amalfi, Holidays, Tempting Tuesday · December 22, 2009

Tempting Tuesday: Fountain Nativity in Amalfi

 

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. 

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Fountain Presepe 1

 

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.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Fountain Presepe 2

 

I love the interaction between the figures above the water and below the water.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Fountain Presepe 3

 

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?

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Fountain Presepe 5

 

Here’s a tip … look for a grotto or cave or someplace where a sleepy shepherd might be able to catch a few winks.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Fountain Presepe 4

 

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

 Tempting Tuesday: Autumn Drive to Monte Faito

 Tempting Tuesday: Autumn Drive to Tramonti

Posted In: Amalfi, Holidays, Tempting Tuesday

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Comments

  1. Wanderlust Woman says

    December 22, 2009 at 13:32

    Even the statues in the presepi take a siesta in Italy. Too funny!

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    December 22, 2009 at 13:35

    Ciao Lisa! Ha ha… very true. You're just too funny! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Anne in Oxfordshire says

    December 22, 2009 at 13:54

    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.

    Reply
  4. Ciao Chow Linda says

    December 22, 2009 at 15:38

    we are on the same wave length. I just posted about presepi today too. Don't you just love those resting pastori? Buon Natale.

    Reply
  5. Linda Lou says

    December 23, 2009 at 04:12

    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!

    Reply
  6. Chef Chuck says

    December 23, 2009 at 22:28

    Hello Laura! I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday!

    Reply
  7. LindyLouMac says

    December 23, 2009 at 23:09

    I must look more closely now! Buon Natale .

    Reply
  8. Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish says

    December 24, 2009 at 11:13

    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!

    Reply
  9. Jul says

    December 24, 2009 at 11:54

    How fun! Can't wait to see them in person next week. Amalfi here I come!

    Reply
  10. Laura says

    December 29, 2009 at 19:13

    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!!

    Reply

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Sunday Shout-out: Sicily Scene

Ciao!

My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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@persephonebooks 
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Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous
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