The Venetian Social Club in Philadelphia will host a special event on Dec. 10 to discuss Christmas traditions in Poffabro, Italy, as part of its yearlong centennial celebration. The club, originally founded by immigrants from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, puts on monthly events leading up to its 100th anniversary next year. December’s event will focus on holiday customs near the founders’ hometowns.

Poffabro is renowned in Italy for its elaborate outdoor Nativity scenes that transform the village into a living reenactment of Jesus Christ’s birth. The tradition began in 1997 and now draws crowds of tourists each Christmas season. Residents handcraft intricate figurines and assemblages to display on streets, courtyards, and windowsills. The custom reflects the Italian emphasis on homespun Nativity scenes to represent the holiday’s religious roots.