The Christmas atmosphere once again enveloped St Peter’s Square with local Italian bands playing traditional Christmas carols before for tourists and curious people alike.
What was to be inaugurated was the Nativity scene and the tree, which this year were to be admired more than usual for the Holy Year about to begin.
“This year, the solemnity of Christmas coincides with the opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, which marks the inauguration of the Jubilee,” said Cardinal Fernando Vargas.
“Therefore, the tree and the Nativity scene will have even greater visibility due to the large flow of pilgrims expected for the Holy Year.”
The tree is 95 feet tall and comes from an Italian region where care is taken to ensure that there is a generational replacement of fir trees.
The Nativity scene comes from Grado, a Mediterranean town located on the northern coast of Italy. It represents the traditional fishermen’s hut from the beginning of the 20th century. The Three Wise Men arrive by boat and local craftsmen worked day and night to create this work.
The moment of the inauguration filled St Peter’s Square with light and also with excitement in anticipation of the imminent arrival of Christmas.