Now in its second year, the initiative is the brainchild of Il Papiro’s director, Romina Beltrame, and Anthony Montesano of Signor Mont.
“We hope it helps to bring some hope and beauty back to our city, which has endured so much,” the pair said.
While last year’s Christmas window featured a nativity scene and the story of Italy’s favourite old lady, La Befana, this year Beltrame and Montesano have dedicated the display to one of the most famous fairytales around the world.
Though more than 100 years old, the tale of Pinocchio and his growing nose is just as popular today as it was back then, and continues to be adored by generations of readers.
The character’s adventures have since inspired books, movies, cartoons and musicals.
“The story was such a natural fit, given that Geppetto was an artisan and both our businesses specialise in artisanal products,” Beltrame and Montesano said.
“We’ve created a bottega showing Geppetto creating Pinocchio, and we’ve also recreated the scene in which the Blue Fairy turns Pinocchio into a real boy.
“We hope the display resonates with the Italian community in Melbourne and that people can draw the parallels of both Pinocchio coming to life, as well as our beautiful city.”
Visitors to Degraves Street can enjoy the display until January 25, 2022, while Il Papiro will also be running Pinocchio card-making workshops for children.
For more information, head to Il Papiro’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
