Celebrating the Neapolitan Presepio
A Christmas Tradition in the Italian American Community
by Anita Sanseverino & Lou Barrella
Get ready to begin the Holy Day Season at Casa Belvedere!
Explore the origins of the Neapolitan Presepio tradition and its endurance by talented artisans who create this art form, both of old and of today. This lecture and video presentation will feature photos taken in the shops of Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in churches and homes throughout the metropolitan area. They portray a variety of expression that keeps the Presepio a vibrant symbol of Christmas. Appropriate music sung by Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, among others, will enhance your visual enjoyment.
Related upcoming events
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11/30/2021 7:00 PM - 11/30/2021 9:00 PMItaly: The World’s Lifestyle Superpower
A Virtual Cultural Program presented on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 pm
Italians have always been masters of reinvention. In this fascinating exploration of post World War II Italy, we will explore how the country rose from the ashes and devastation to transform from the face of Il Duce to La Dolce Vita, and how “Brand Italy” came to conquer the world through its passion and excellence in the realms of film, fashion and design, gastronomy, and viticulture. The program will be presented virtually by lecturer and award-winning author Carla Gambescia, who has been an advertising and marketing executive, entrepreneur and restaurateur. She co-created the Giro del Gelato bike tour which won OUTSIDE Magazine’s "Best Trip in Western Europe."
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12/07/2021 4:00 PM - 12/07/2021 5:00 PMChristmas Sugar Cookies
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12/10/2021 8:00 AM - 01/09/2022 3:57 PMAn Extraordinary Exhibit Not To Be Missed.
On public display outside Casa Belvedere from Dec. 10th – Jan. 9th.
The Solidarity Crèche was a gift by the Naples (Italy) Chamber of Commerce to the NYC Fire Department post the 9/11/01 tragic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Each of the 120 pieces is hand-crafted by Italian artisans with meticulous attention to detail to honor the brave NYC firefighters, EMS & Police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It has been on loan to Casa Belvedere since 2011, courtesy of the International Columbia Association of the FDNY. This is a unique Creche’ that rivals that of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in its scope, breathe, warmth, and heartfelt storytelling. It is not to be missed. Drive-bys are welcome.
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12/14/2021 6:30 PM - 12/14/2021 9:30 PM· Come hungry and thirsty!
· Concessions available plus beer, wine and soft drinks.
· Cash and credit accepted.Tombola is a game that originated in Southern Italy. Similar to bingo, the game is fun to play, easy to learn, and appropriate for all ages. The game begins when the person holding the cartellone (big board) takes numbers out of the sack one at a time, calling them loudly, placing them on their box in the cartellone, and leaving time for players to mark the number on their card/s.
In order to win, players must have one of the following:
AMBO – 2 numbers on the same row
TERNO – 3 numbers on the same row
QUATERNA – 4 numbers on the same row
CINQUINA – 5 numbers on the same row
TOMBOLA – all numbers on the card
Each game ends when all 90 numbers are drawn or when a Tombola winner is declared, whichever comes first.
Members: FREE
Non-Members: $10 per person
Tombola cards : $3 each. Cards must be purchased for each round. -
01/08/2022 10:00 AM - 01/08/2022 11:45 AM“Writing the Italian in Your Memories”: Fall Edition
Laboratorio di Scrittura, Writing Workshop
Saturdays, January 8, 22 and 29, 2021: 10:00-11:45amThe workshop will take place in the cottage on the left side of the mansion, which can be reached by following the paved sidewalk and stairs.
No experience necessary, just a notebook and pen!
When we look back on our past, whether a year or decades ago, our stories are often intertwined with our culture—its richness, expectations, challenges and humor. During each workshop, led by author Maria Giura, we’ll focus on how one aspect of Italian American (IA) life—identity, travel, holidays—forms the background or foreground of our memories.
We’ll read and discuss short, vibrant excerpts written by IA authors. Participants will then be given prompts to generate their own writing and, by the end of each workshop, will have produced an original piece of writing. In-person enrollment limited to 10 participants. P.S. You don’t have to be Italian to write about how Italy may be part of your memories!
Register for one, two, or all three workshops.
Part 1: Sat., Jan. 8
Part 2: Sat. Jan. 22
Part 3: Sat. Jan. 29 -
01/22/2022 10:00 AM - 01/22/2022 10:45 AM“Writing the Italian in Your Memories”: Fall Edition
Laboratorio di Scrittura, Writing Workshop
Saturdays, January 8, 22 and 29, 2021: 10:00-11:45amThe workshop will take place in the cottage on the left side of the mansion, which can be reached by following the paved sidewalk and stairs.
No experience necessary, just a notebook and pen!
When we look back on our past, whether a year or decades ago, our stories are often intertwined with our culture—its richness, expectations, challenges and humor. During each workshop, led by author Maria Giura, we’ll focus on how one aspect of Italian American (IA) life—identity, travel, holidays—forms the background or foreground of our memories.
We’ll read and discuss short, vibrant excerpts written by IA authors. Participants will then be given prompts to generate their own writing and, by the end of each workshop, will have produced an original piece of writing. In-person enrollment limited to 10 participants. P.S. You don’t have to be Italian to write about how Italy may be part of your memories!
Register for one, two, or all three workshops.
Part 1: Sat., Jan. 8
Part 2: Sat. Jan. 22
Part 3: Sat. Jan. 29 -
01/29/2022 10:00 AM - 01/29/2022 11:45 AM“Writing the Italian in Your Memories”: Fall Edition
Laboratorio di Scrittura, Writing Workshop
Saturdays, January 8, 22 and 29, 2021: 10:00-11:45amThe workshop will take place in the cottage on the left side of the mansion, which can be reached by following the paved sidewalk and stairs.
No experience necessary, just a notebook and pen!
When we look back on our past, whether a year or decades ago, our stories are often intertwined with our culture—its richness, expectations, challenges and humor. During each workshop, led by author Maria Giura, we’ll focus on how one aspect of Italian American (IA) life—identity, travel, holidays—forms the background or foreground of our memories.
We’ll read and discuss short, vibrant excerpts written by IA authors. Participants will then be given prompts to generate their own writing and, by the end of each workshop, will have produced an original piece of writing. In-person enrollment limited to 10 participants. P.S. You don’t have to be Italian to write about how Italy may be part of your memories!
Register for one, two, or all three workshops.
Part 1: Sat., Jan. 8
Part 2: Sat. Jan. 22
Part 3: Sat. Jan. 29
