The colors of shepherds and the nativity of San Gregorio Armeno
In shops or stalls with no doors colored pastors of all sizes make a fine show. The most common are those of hand-painted pottery, but there are some that are even more precious because they dressed in real clothing fabric, with glass eyes, articulated and in all similar to that made famous in the art world Neapolitan crib.
specimens that are inspired by the most rigorous tradition, from time to time, or from year to year, alternates with a shepherd who plays some contemporary character. Suffice it to say that there was the time when the rage of the shepherd Maradona (at the time of the badges of Naples), then that Antonio di Pietro (at the time of Tangentopoli), but it is not space for the pastor who reproduced the guise of politicians such as Berlusconi and Bossi or myths of unforgettable Neapolitan as Toto.
Although these specimens are of curiosity, wonder and raise about fun, but who "runs" San Gregorio Armeno, remains fascinated to watch the characters of all time: the shepherds who has always kept a place in the homes and hearts of all Italians.
It 'hard to resist buying some. And, on the other hand, there is something for every budget: from the value of a few dollars to those costing hundreds of euro.
Their work is organized throughout the year. At that point, walking in the area, every day seems to breathe the atmosphere of Christmas.
Among the many visitors who crowd the narrow alley, there are also tourists from all over the world, but San Gregorio Armeno is a must especially the Neapolitans who do not can resist the temptation to enrich his own crib with at least some new pastor.
A look at today would seem that this area is the same as always.
's strong smell of cork and moss (the ones usually used to build the "Rocky" and Adorno) that penetrates the nostrils can not divert attention from the stalls.
And then, to see, there are not only the shepherds, but every small detail is intended to adorn the cribs. Fountains fully functional ovens, which - thanks to special lighting - seem to be really turned on. And then, again, houses, columns, pastors who are moving, and baskets full of fruit, and miniature vegetables, meat, of dishes. Of everything, in short, that makes it unique and inimitable of each crib.
easy to see why you can claim the purchase of a pastor of San Gregorio Armeno, or a manger of San Gregorio Armeno (crib, of course, intended as a "rock") is a source of pride, like the one you evidence to demonstrate the possession of a status symbol.
Yet the pastors and the Neapolitan cribs, assets have become popular relatively late.
