Being an atheist, I must admit that when I was asked to do a Christmas installation I felt a bit embarrassed to deal with the sacred theme of the Manger.

I read the Gospel according to St. Mathew, the most descriptive part regarding the Nativity scene. The Three Kings follow the light from the East to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem.
The Wise men, experts in astronomy, knew that the apparition of the comet on earth meant the birth of the Son of God among men and women.

This year the Christmas holidays in Bethlehem will occur in a terrifying climate with the military occupation of the Israeli army and the threat of Palestinian attacks.
According to an article published in Le Monde Diplomatique the construction of a wall of hundreds of kilometres long dividing Israel from Palestine is about to be completed.

This year in the Christmas installation at the Royal Victoria Hotel it is not possible to see the Manger scene because the three Wise men are not able to follow their journey towards Bethlehem due to this enormous wall.

The installation is intended, through humour, to focus the attention of the spectators on the terrible reality that two populations live in a society made up of pain, hatred, injustice and terror.

Taiguara Alves Giannotti

A special thanks for collaboration to F. Camelo, L. Canale, M. Milyescu, N. Piegaia, A. Taffi and C. Venturini.
Music:
Joel Rubin Music Ensemble/ AA.VV; Cafè Arabia/ AA. VV; Traditional Jewish from Span/ AA. VV.