by InTrieste
Italy’s Riviera, nestled along the stunning Cinque Terre hilltop villages, inaugurated the world’s largest illuminated Nativity scene on December 8. The picturesque village of Manarola transformed into a radiant spectacle, adorned with over 15,000 lights, marking a tradition that has enchanted onlookers since 1961.
This grand display, boasting around 250 life-sized figures, from shepherds to fishermen, alongside various animals, ranging between one to three meters in height, was the brainchild of the late Mario Andreoli. A retired railway worker, Andreoli supervised this annual tradition until his passing last Christmas at the age of 94.
The dazzling Nativity scene, a testament to the village’s festive spirit, was officially lit up at 17:30 on December 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. To accommodate the influx of visitors, an additional train service was deployed on the Genoa – Manarola – La Spezia line.
This radiant masterpiece, resembling a scene from a holiday fairy tale, will continue to grace Manarola until the second weekend in January 2024. Visitors can bask in its warm glow daily from 17:30 to 22:00.
Cinque Terre, a rugged coastline in Italy’s Liguria region, comprising the quintet of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, connected by well-trodden footpaths, stands as a beacon of holiday cheer with this awe-inspiring Nativity scene, further solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination during the festive season.
