The magic atmosphere of Christmas is revived each year, by the crib, the representation of the Nativity, a symbol of Peace. The first cribs date from the 16th Century and were found in Italy and Spain, in churches and principalities. The Nativity is today as it was then a subject of inspiration for many artists and the crib always has a leading role in the woodcarving tradition.
Today many woodcarvers are reviving this centuries-old tradition in works that have a historical
flavor and the delicacy of temporary taste.
With the famous displays of wooden cribs, the Gardena Art Woodcarvers’ Association presents its prestigious works in all their various interpretations.
During Advent, in Ortisei there is a particular Christmas atmosphere:
form November 29th 2008 to January 6th 2009 along the streets
of the town centre the characteristic Tyrolean style cottage windows are dressed for the display of the prestigious wooden cribs.
During this period it is also possible to visit
another most attractive show of cribs in the House of
Culture in Ortisei, where master craftsmen can be seen at work in the typical Tyrolean ‘stube’.
Opening hours of
the House of Culture: daily from 10.00 - 12.00 am and
03.00 - 07.00 pm
closed on December 25th and January 1st as well as on December 24th
afternoon
Gardena Art has also displayed its renowned wooden cribs at Carpi, Sassuolo, San Giovanni in Persiceto, Venice, Milan at the Piazza Duomo, Klagenfurt in Carinthia, Austria, in Rosenheim (Germany)
and in San Francisco (USA). This year during Advent the
cribs are also shown in Corvara/Alta Badia and Sutrio
(UD).
