As 2015 wound down, I spent some time wandering the city taking photos of this year's holiday lights. For the first time in as long as we can remember, Campo San Barnaba and the nearby streets were lit up even over the canal. I love the reflections!
Even the boys on the vegetable barge at Ponte dei Pugni got into the holiday spirit donning their Babbo Natale suits to wear to work.
As in past years, St. Mark's square is ablaze in lights, adding to the festive atmosphere in Venice during the holiday season.
The Christmas tree next to the Basilica was gorgeous this year. I particularly enjoyed the ornaments- all simple plaques displaying heartfelt holiday sentiments from schools, organizations and shops in the city.
Holiday lights along Calle Lunga San Marco
Sadly, the Rialto bridge is dark this year. I suspect the multi-year restoration project currently underway on the bridge has something to do with why lights weren't strung on the outside of the bridge and along the center strada. Adjacent streets on the San Marco side of the bridge were lit up, though.
It wouldn't be Natale without numerous sightings of Babbo Natale all around Venice. This one inside the window caught my eye. I'm wondering if he was looking for a way out?
All over Italy, right before Christmas the traditional presepi, nativity scenes, make their appearance They are in every church and almost every household. This year, as usual, the presepe at Chiesa di Santa Maria Glorioso dei Frari (the Frari, the Venetian shortcut), is exceptional. My photo above is only one tiny portion of it, it is much too large to get into one photo. Figures are moving, cows and sheep are mooing and baa-ing, there is even a volcano erupting at intervals in the background. It wouldn't be Natale without getting into a few churches to see what they have on display in their presepe.
And our tree is up in Venice again this year. From our house to yours, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Buon Anno Nuovo! Auguri!
