Maradona's brother attends nativity scene opening in Naples

San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, known globally for excellence in terms of figurines and Nativity crafts, dedicated its reopening on Monday to deceased footballer Diego Armando Maradona.After several weeks of closure due to Covid restrictions, Maradona's brother Hugo cut the ribbon to inaugurate the reopening of the famous street ahead of the Christmas season. Also known as the "street of nativities" the narrow pedestrian street takes its name from the 16th-century church dedicated to San Gregorio Armeno, considered one of the most beautiful in Naples.Every year tourists flock to its multiple workshops run by experienced craftsmen of the nativity scene art, especially during the Christmas season.

Specialised in Nativity figures, workshops in San Gregorio Armeno every day of the year offer professional and casual buyers figures made of terracotta, ranging from the classical nativity characters (shepherds with animals, the Three Wise Men etc.) to more colourful reproductions of celebrities, from Elvis Presley to Pope Francis. Rock singers are side by side with footballers: Ronaldo and Messi may share the same mossy shelf with Freddy Mercury or Queen Elisabeth.Despite the disenchantment due to the pandemic San Gregorio Armeno dedicated the 2020 Christmas season to the memory of Diego Maradona, filling the artisans shops with statuettes of the footballer portrayed as an angel, with wings and halos.

The city of Naples could not miss the homage to the footballer since he is considered to be a fundamental part of Neapolitan history and culture."It is an honour for me to represent my brother, even if it is not the same. He was unique and I am here to represent him " said his brother Hugo Maradona who lives in Naples."It was our duty to dedicate it to Diego Maradona. We had, we have, and we will always have him in our hearts" said Gabriele Casillo, president Artisan shops of San Gregorio Armeno street.

(Image Credit: AP)