Many towns in Sicily annually create elaborate live nativity scenes like this one I saw in 2019 in Custonaci (Trapani Province). These dioramas featuring townspeople acting out iconic moments and everyday activities from past times create a sense of wonder. Presepe Vivente are a reason to visit Sicily during Christmas.
What are in these baskets? Looks like the most important agricultural products of Sicily. And, why are they in the Nativity scene? Thank you.
Great questions Beth! You can read more about the baskets here: https://experiencesicily.com/2017/01/02/lets-hang-out-sicilian-baskets/
And here:
https://experiencesicily.com/2017/06/09/baskets-for-heaven/
And
https://experiencesicily.com/2016/10/16/baskets-made-in-sicily/
The products displayed in the nativity scene are seasonal and regional products: pomegranate, oranges, lemons, nuts, chestnuts, ricotta, primo sale pecorino cheese, bread, tuma cheese, and other products I don’t recognize.
They are in the scene because it’s traditional to share the bounty of the region where the nativity is displayed… But also, I venture to guess, in keeping with the Christmas legend, food was brought to support the family.