Another tradition figures large in the Christmas in Europe guidelines – that of the European Buffet, intended to allow each delegation to show off the Christmas delicacies of the various regions and countries. The buffet took place according to schedule on the evening of December 14th, at the end of a day in which the two high points were the solemn high mass and the European Buffet.
As usual, and despite the recommendations given in advance, yet again there was a superabundance of dishes, a real culinary festival where the guests, including the teachers and the parents of students at the IPSSARCT.A.Panzini, were completely spoiled for choice. The buffet took place in the magnificent entrance hall of the IPSSARCT A.Panzini, which had been beautifully arranged by the school’s technical staff.
In their welcoming speeches, Alfonso Benvenuto and Christiane Keller both emphasised the spirit of sharing, before declaring open this buffet to which had everyone had made an ample contribution.
Guests crowd around each delegation’s buffet. Before feasting,
they feast their eyes ..
The president and Christiane Keller wish everyone an enjoyable evening.
AND A LIVING NATIVITY SCENE INTO THE BARGAIN!
The presentation of the living nativity scene had been planned to take place in front of the fortress in the ‘Piazza del Duca’ and word had got around since, at nightfall, the square had filled with curious onlookers. This living nativity scene, a speciality from the little nearby village of Barbara, given the slippage in the timetable, had been transferred, at the request of Alfonso Benvenuto, to the school grounds to allow those attending the European Buffet to witness it. It was also a magical moment, and the team of actors was also simply invited to the buffet too.
Mary, Joseph and Little Jesus, three characters
inseparable from Christmas Eve.
The characters from the Barbara living nativity scene. Really life-like.
