by InTrieste
Opicina marked the opening of its holiday season this afternoon with the inauguration of the town’s Christmas tree in Piazzale Monte Re and the lighting of the traditional nativity scene along Via di Prosecco.
The ceremony for the tree, donated by the Municipality of Trieste, was attended by Matia Premolin, vice president of the Second District “Altipiano Est,” and Nadia Bellina, president of the local business consortium “Insieme a Opicina.” As in previous years, the spruce was decorated with ornaments crafted by students from the municipal Ricreatorio F.lli Fonda Savio. The lighting was accompanied by performances from the choirs Chi canta prega 2 volte and the male choir Stane Malič.
Earlier in the afternoon, San Nicolò made his annual appearance, setting off at 3:30 p.m. from Piazzale Monte Re. Traveling by horse-drawn carriage and stopping at the Ricreatorio F.lli Fonda Savio, he distributed sweets to children and accompanied families through the center of Opicina.
Following the tree ceremony, residents gathered in Via di Prosecco for the illumination of the local nativity scene at number 7. The installation, created by “Nonna Bruna” and Dario Rota in memory of Silvio Buzzai, received a blessing from Father Franc Šenk, pastor of the nearby Church of San Bartolomeo. The choirs returned to provide musical accompaniment, and local officials were present for the occasion.
The back-to-back events drew residents into the streets, marking the beginning of a month of holiday traditions on Trieste’s Karst plateau.
