Floating nativity brings Christmas to Venice lagoon
A nativity scene display designed by local greengrocer Francesco Orazio is seen over the water surface of Venice's lagoon by Burano island, ahead of Christmas, in Venice, Italy, December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri
A group of 60 plywood nativity figures floats in an open stretch of water in Venice's lagoon, with a church as a festive backdrop.
Painted by local greengrocer Francesco Orazio, the figures have been planted on wooden stakes.
Their feet emerging for just a couple of hours a day when the tide ebbs, Joseph, Mary, the ox and the donkey surround Baby Jesus under a hut, as a wise king approaches.
A nativity scene display designed by local greengrocer Francesco Orazio is seen over the water surface of Venice's lagoon by Burano island, ahead of Christmas, in Venice, Italy, December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri
Shepherds, animals and other characters can be seen nearby as small boats sail a short distance away.
(Reporting by Manuel Silvestri; writing by Angelo Amante; editing by John Stonestreet)
A nativity scene display designed by local greengrocer Francesco Orazio is seen over the water surface of Venice's lagoon by Burano island, ahead of Christmas, in Venice, Italy, December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Manuel SilvestriA nativity scene display designed by local greengrocer Francesco Orazio is seen over the water surface of Venice's lagoon by Burano island, ahead of Christmas, in Venice, Italy, December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Manuel SilvestriA nativity scene display designed by local greengrocer Francesco Orazio is seen over the water surface of Venice's lagoon by Burano island, ahead of Christmas, in Venice, Italy, December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri
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