Thursday, 15 November 2007

A Nativity Scene of Guinness World Book proportions. Located at the "Presepe e Museo Etnografico Le Genti della Laga" (Creche and Folklore Museum of the People from the Laga Area of Abruzzo) in Torricella Sicura, Abruzzo, Italy.
After having achieved a great deal of success, and having hosted tens of thousands of visitors in years past, work is well underway in preparation of a recently updated folklore exhibition and long awaited Christmas holiday event. It will take place once again in the historic center of Torricella Sicura in a building which has graciously been provided by the local communal officials, thus providing a more permanent setting for this wondrous spectacular.

The museum and Nativity Creche display open their doors to the public in large part due to the untiring efforts of a team of local artisans led by Gino Di Benedetto and his wife Fabrizia Di Girolamo. The returning visitor will note several portions of the exposition have been updated and enlarged.

The exhibits encompass an area of approximately 6500 square feet. One third is devoted to full scale displays depicting daily life activities of the Abruzzo Region in times past. The larger part of this fascinating museum is composed of extremely detailed miniatures on 1:5 scale displaying rural life in the early years of the 1900's. These presentations are animated and show the village denizens engaged in typical work activities characteristic of this era of time in Italy.

The Nativity Scene was constructed with the collaboration and consultation of a well noted Neapolitan scenographer who has had a vast amount of experience in designing sets both for stage and film productions throughout Italy.

Several of the updated miniature displays depict with great accuracy the annual fall harvesting of grain and corn. A steam powered threshing machine with moving parts will enchant young and old alike. Of special interest are the facial expressions of the field hands intently going about their duties under the watchful eye of the boss who manages the operation from the seat of his nearby horse and carriage.

Last year the noted popular singer “Roppoppò” paid a visit to the museum and was floored by the exceptional detail and authenticity of the countless displays. He was so inspired that he composed several songs based on this experience and chose to include them on his latest musical CD soundtrack.

Several museum displays related to more recent times have been enhanced and updated. Visitors will be taken back to the early 1950's where they will witness authentic representations of the lives of their parents and grandparents. Many common everyday activities are detailed. As is well known this was an era of great change and a time when many household appliances and conveniences came into use. The exhibitions include, in miniature, early model televisions and radios with tubes, gas stoves, indoor (or terrace based) bathroom facilities, electric razors, and much more. These inventions served to greatly improve the quality of life for all families.

One entire section of the museum is dedicated to illustrious citizens of Torricella Sicura. Included are scenes from the life of the resistance fighter Mario Capuani. This young pediatrician, aligned with the partisan forces during the closing days of WWII, was captured and murdered by the occupying German solders in reprisal for the killing of several German soldiers. Thanks to recent donations of the doctor's original belongings and medical devices, Capuani's office and examining room have been faithfully reconstructed in full scale.

This year also marks the first presentation of a sound and light show recently installed by the local firm “Rossodisera.” This up and coming company was recently awarded a contract to provide sound and light design displays that will be presented in 27 cities throughout Italy marking the 50th anniversary of the renowned CINECITTÀ production studios.


Once again the good people of Torricella Sicure and others in the Province of Teramo in Abruzzo owe a great deal of gratitude to Gino Di Benedetto and his lovely wife Fabrizia for the passion that they have both put into this grand and laborious undertaking. Without doubt their efforts to educate others regarding the lives of our forefathers are both inspiring and greatly informative. A visit to this museum is a carefree diversion from our everyday over-scheduled workaday lives. It is well suited for families and is especially appropriate during the Christmas holiday season. Everyone, from the young to the young at heart, will find something of interest in this moving, fascinating, and well thought out extravaganza.


The grand opening takes place on the morning of 8 December 2007. The exhibition runs until 31 January 2008.

Hours of Visitation:
Weekdays: 5-8 PM

Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays:

10 AM - 1 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM


Note: other opening times can be arranged by request by calling 338.3316641 (Italian)

FREE ENTRANCE

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Sergio Scacchia

Photos by Lucio De Marcellis

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MORE INFORMATION

For assistance (in Italian) contact Fabrizia Di Girolamo cell. 3383316641

Or, visit the museum blog (in Italian) at: http://presepelegentidellalaga.splinder.com

2003-2004 Exhibtiion Video: duration about 5 minutes

2004-2005 Exhibition Video : duration about 17 minutes

More information regarding the Creche and Museum “Genti della Laga” (in Italian)

Villa Casale