THE PRESIDENT NAPOLETAN TRADITION LIVES IN SAN GREGORIO ARMENO

In San Gregorio Armeno it is Christmas all year round. Every month, even when it is hot and Christmas is far away, the masters are at work to build the typical cork cribs and shepherds on the terracotta floor. The San Gregorio Armeno’s atmosphere begins to warm in November, but December is the month when the road is crowded with people every hour of the day. Every Presbyterian Master can perfectly advise his client over the meaning, symbol and use of each shepherd. Colorful and ancient, the shops in via San Gregorio Armeno parade one by the other by displaying the masterpieces of Neapolitan presepi art. Strictly handmade and terracotta, the shepherds of San Gregorio not only reproduce the physiognomy of the characters, but they can tell their soul, painted in art in every detail and dresses of hand-sewn dresses. Between a cork cabinet, a moss pile and the series of characters inhabiting the Nativity Scenes, it breathes a magical atmosphere in which traditions and the Christmas spirit survive intact the frenzied chaos of the ever-changing city. Nowadays, the characters of the show, politicians and well-known faces of music and sports are also part of the presepial tradition.