A new entry in the long running presepe vivente – live nativity scene – at Barga this week are a pair of camels, thanks to the veterinarian Paolo Stefani based in Filecchio who moved the two camels to an area outside the main gate of Barga Vecchia for the event.
The Barga presepe vivente, is not only the first and oldest live nativity scene in the Valley, but it is also the only one, not only in the province of Lucca, but also beyond, to see among its characters not only the Magi, but camels in the flesh.
The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), also known as the Mongolian camel or domestic Bactrian camel, is a large even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia.
It has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary.Its population of 2 million exists mainly in the domesticated form.
Their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria.
Domesticated Bactrian camels have served as pack animals in inner Asia since ancient times. With its tolerance for cold, drought, and high altitudes, it enabled the travel of caravans on the Silk Road.
 |
 |
 |
 |
