This year too, albeit to a lesser extent, the ancient tradition of nativity scenes in Mosorrofa, a hamlet of Reggio Calabria, has been perpetuated.
The old habits
Memories go back to when in every district there was a public nativity scene born from the collaboration of the local inhabitants. When almost every house had a nativity scene and the kids went around admiring them all. When all the streets and darkest corners shone with lights, every door jamb was a spectacle and you could breathe an air of celebration and joy that entered your heart. Throughout the Advent and Christmas period, the bagpipers went around the streets of the town spreading their happy harmonies into the air. The musical band went around every street of the town singing Christmas carols every morning or evening throughout the novena. On the eve of the Immaculate Conception, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the smell of the crepes was the scent that embellished the already touching show and tasting them was a unique delight. Every day, before dawn, at 5 o’clock the sound of the bells could be heard inviting the faithful to participate in the novena, and both from the countryside and from every district almost all the faithful flocked to the church. Throughout the school holidays the kids gathered in every corner to play “castedhu” or “fossitta” with peanuts. Young and old gathered around the brazier to play “toppa” or bingo. Joy, happiness, harmony reigned supreme and made clear the collaborative peasant virtue of a village that seemed to have come out of fairy tales.
The changes
Today so much has changed, which is why Pasquale Andidero, president of the neighborhood committee, greets those who still persist in perpetuating traditions with favor and gratitude. You can still smell the crepes, although more rarely. The lights illuminate only a few corners of the town. The call of the bells responds less and less faithfully. The nativity scenes, even if few, still represent the humble mystery of the birth of Jesus and invite us to reflect on the passing of time. This year there are four public nativity scenes but rumors are already circulating that they would like to propose a nativity scene for each district for Christmas 2026. Worth mentioning is Via Strapunti, the historic center of the town, once again this year, full of lights along the entire street leading to the nativity scene. Seen from afar, Strapunti itself looks like a nativity scene. Nostalgia assails but the invitation that is mutually exchanged on the street and to stop and admire the present with the hope of being able to soon recreate in the village of Mosorrofa the fairytale area that brought so much good to the hearts of the people.