Ho Ho Ho – Here comes one of our favorite events of the whole Christmas season: the nativity! The quaint mountain villages of Bagni di Lucca are amazing spots to recreate the scene of the nativity, and the villagers make a great effort to present their village at its absolute best. The Presepio vivente (Live Nativity) is held, alternately, in three villages: Granaiola, Pieve and Monti di Villa. This year was the turn of Pieve, and our expectations were not disappointed. Pieve presented itself as an authentic village from the past, with displays of ancient professions, roman centurions, musicians, and the final arrival of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.
Here is a fisher having a rest by the pond.
In every corner of the town, following a marked path, you could enjoy several specialties, such as necci, homemade pasta with ragu, cakes, cookies, sausage sandwiches, local cheeses, vin brule’, punch, etc… all absolutely homemade. Such a pleasure for the senses!
Even misty days can be truly atmospheric up in the mountains.
Children could have a go at making grappa!
Delicious cookies were offered to sample or to buy.
Everyone in the village gave a real contribution to this event, and the result is always a resounding success with hundreds of people queuing at the stop for the free shuttle!
