Naples' famed presepe makers are
hoping for a recovery fuelled by Diego Armando Maradona to
recoup a year's losses to COVID in November alone.
A statuette of the soccer genius who led Napoli to two scudetti
is the star attraction in the nativity scenes that have just
reopened on Via San Gregorio Armeno, with angel's wings after
his recent death at 60.
"It's a sad situation, not to say tragic", said local artisans'
association chief Gabriele Casillo, adding that he hoped the
intervention of "St Diego" could fuel a pre-Christmas burst of
sales to make up for the recent closure.
Hugo Maradona, brother of the late 'Pibe de Oro' who led Napoli
and Naples to soccer and social redemption, said "every day the
Neapolitans' love for my brother shows itself more and more".
Maradona, who has lived in Naples for several years since his
brother's glory days in the late 80s, said "I'm here to boost
the craftsmen who are going through a hard time".
The presepe makers, who were granted UNESCO heritage status
three years ago, "are the symbol of many struggling categories
and we urge Neapolitans to return to San Gregorio Armeno in
safety and security," said the city council.
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