Christmas in Naples: Barack Obama in nativity scenes

The nativity scene in the Italian home is a central and essential part of the Italian Christmas tradition, though in Naples they have a new interpretation of the nativity, placing statues of famous people or characters featuring in current affairs in the scene.

The via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is famous for its artisan nativity scenes, and this year all the rage is new US president Barack Obama.

Along with the classic Chirstmas nativity scene with status of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and all the rest, the biggest request has been for statues of Obama for nativity.

Previous figures have included footballer Maradona, prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and even Osama bin Laden.
Not without controversy though, as many locals are against the idea of including figures external to the Christmas story in their family nativity scenes.
We wonder what Obama would think…