In the province of Como, on the lake of the same name, the world capital of Christmas decorations is located - the city of Bellagio. Here the most beautiful balls for Christmas trees are made in the world; you can buy them all year round.
When Catholic Christmas begins in Italy (December 24-25), house after house, family after family, everyone starts decorating their own New Year trees, a symbol of this magical holiday. And of course, everyone wants to decorate their Christmas tree as brighter and richer as possible, and many use various original toys sold at Christmas markets for this. For lovers of unique things created by craftsmen manually from unusual materials, there is a direct road to Bellagio, the famous village in the province of Como.
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After all, the ancient traditions of the production of blown glass were preserved there, from which all kinds of Christmas decorations are made.
The origins of tradition
Compared with other European countries, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree in Italy came quite late: in Catholic countries, the main symbol of Christmas was always a nativity scene (depicting the scene of the birth of Christ), and in Protestant ones, they began to decorate the Christmas tree right after the Second World War. The market for Christmas-tree decorations came to Italy in the 40s together with a German entrepreneur Karl Becker, who moved to the country with his company Florida.
Karl was engaged in the production of artificial fir trees, and at the same time entered into a profitable collaboration with glass blowing plants, which were at that time in a deep crisis, and therefore easily abandoned the production of glass for the kitchen and bottles in favor of glass Christmas-tree decorations. Success was not long in coming, and already in the 50s a significant part of production was exported to America. Over time, the company only expanded and increased the variety of jewelry produced. Until now, every year, especially in the Christmas period from September to November, the inhabitants of Bellagio work tirelessly to create the most beautiful Christmas-tree decorations in the world.
Features of the manufacture of Christmas toys
The production process involves, in addition to the inspiration and imagination of the artist, the use of "blown glass" technology. This means that the master first heats the glass to a plastic "semi-liquid" state, and then with the help of a special tube and his lungs inflates it, giving it the desired shape. All blanks are silvered according to the ancient technology of Venetian mirrors, after which they are manually applied with images of holly, candles, Christmas trees, comets, bells, as well as fairy-tale characters or movie characters. For example, Peter Pan and Pluto enjoyed great popularity in the 50s, and Charlie Brown, The Beatles and Pink Panther in the 60s.
It’s worth visiting Bellagio not only and not so much to enjoy the historical and natural beauties as to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and traditions of the past: the historical and artistic heritage can be appreciated in the Tower of Arts (www.torredelleartibellagio.com) at Salita Plinio 21. Namely here the simple world opens up the world of beauty in any form: various interesting exhibitions, shows, contests, meetings, etc. are regularly organized Now, for example, from December 21 to January 6, there is a characteristic Christmas exhibition "Bellagio Creativity: Exhibition of Christmas Trees."
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Where are the world's best Christmas toys sold?
La sava - One of the most successful glass-blowing art workshops in Bellagio.
It was founded in 1973 by Signor Brambilla and his daughter Annalisa, and for 40 years they have been making exquisite and amazing glass products for the most demanding customers. The glory of the workshop is not limited to national borders, it even crossed the ocean: in America from 300 to 400 thousand units of branded products are sold per year.
Also, while walking around the city, you will be struck by the spectacular showcase of I VETRI DI BELLAGIO "Bellagio Glass Products" - a store that sells hand-made works by local artists, including glass jewelry. The store is located at: Via Garibaldi, 41/60, Bellagio, Como
