Verona’s iconic comet star, representing Veronese Christmas, has begun its long-awaited installation in Piazza Bra. The star returns after a two-year absence (here is our article), but with a new twist: it will be exhibited without its tail. Instead, a combination of mirrors and lights will project the tail, resulting in a contemporary spin on the cherished holiday emblem.
The assembly began yesterday morning with the main body of the star. After its pointed parts are joined, the structure will be completed in the following days, and passersby will be able to learn about the comet star’s history and significance through information panels accompanying the exhibit.
Why is the comet star so important to the Veronese?
Rinaldo Olivieri designed the star in 1984, inspired by Alfredo Troisi’s idea, to enhance the nativity scene within Verona’s Arena. However, its stunning structure quickly won the hearts of both locals and tourists, becoming a symbol of Verona’s Christmas celebrations. The Stella Cometa, standing 70 meters tall and 82 meters long and made of 80 tonnes of steel and 2,500 bolts, is a visual marvel and the world’s largest architecture, according to Guinness World Records.
