As reported in January 2025, a nativity scene in Empoli was vandalised for the fourth time in recent years. Unknown perpetrators decapitated a statue of the infant Jesus, prompting strong reactions from the local community.
The incident concerned the nativity scene set up by the Misericordia of Empoli on the square in front of the Collegiata church. According to the report, unknown individuals removed the head of the plaster statue of the infant Jesus. The organisers underlined that one of the central symbols of Christmas was targeted in the attack.
The same nativity scene had already been targeted several times in previous years, including the removal of the figure of the infant Jesus, which was later found decapitated.
In a public statement, the Misericordia described the repeated vandalism as “a very serious act that offends the sensitivity of our community, especially the volunteers who prepare the nativity scene every year,” adding that the statue would be restored and that the nativity scene would continue to be installed in future years despite these incidents.
The report also noted that, on the same night, another nativity scene in nearby Ponte a Egola, in the municipality of San Miniato, was destroyed. Although both incidents are under investigation, authorities stated that there was no evidence at the time linking the two cases.