As a Canadian, I am one who has a traditional view of Christmas weather which translates to snow and a white Christmas. During our last week in Lanciano during exams we were treated to warm days and clear blue skies – very unCanadian but very Italian.
Nevertheless, Lanciano was preparing for Christmas with the installation of lights on the corso and the main piazza.
Soon there were plenty of signs of Christmas around town. There were street festivals at which Christmas crafts were sold and carols sung. Our very own Ms Anton performed with her ensemble.
There were even signs of a particular version of Santa as well.
One of the Christmas traditions here in Italy is the display of Presepes or Nativity Scenes. St. Francis of Assisi originated this custom in Italy. Today there are competitions held all over Italy as people build these scenes depicting Christ’s birth. In Lanciano, it is no different. There is in many of the displays a year’s worth of effort showing interpretations of the Christmas story in traditional Middle Eastern settings as well as those in Medieval Italian ones as well.
All of this Christmas activity was a welcome backdrop to study and exam writing sessions. On the last night, after cleaning up the residences, packing their rooms and their luggage, our students, faculty and staff enjoyed a final dinner and dance together.
At midnight, the CCI bus departed for the airport in Rome as many students needed to catch very early flights. They were sad to say farewell to their friends especially those who were only at CCI for one semester and are not returning in January. Nevertheless, they were anxious to be on their way and return to their homes.
CCI’s students, Faculty and Staff wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas to all
And to all,
a Good Night
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