Acri Living Crib

Preparations are already underway for the 7th edition of the Guglielmo Living Crib (Acri district), an event that last year saw an attendance of around seven thousand people. The beauty of this nativity scene is expressed many times over: it is in the value of its natural scenery and landscape, it is in the sacredness of the event depicted, it is in the sense of an entire community coming together and working to preserve its tradition, that of ancient trades, and the way of life of yesteryear.

One enters slowly, through scenes and images that capture and become an experience: the route is defined along a path, which winds its way for a kilometre and a little more. Walking along it is a bit like going back in time and into the heart of nature, that which in the night of miracles knows how to remain silent: there is the stream, the water, the old walls, the forest, the night landscape, above it all the torches and the starry lights of the quiet evening sky. The stages are defined by small huts, structures each time built to enter as in the suggestive of "small villages", in which a re-enactment of ancient crafts is performed.

The bagpipers and centurions on horseback, the smells of what is prepared at the open fire: fried food, pulses, pasta, typical sweets. Also handcrafted is the tailoring work carried out with historical profile to dress the figurants. The route is enthralling until the arrival at the small cave of the Nativity, the heart of the crib.

A two-day event is dedicated to the Living Crib in Contrada Guglielmo on 26 and 27 December 2023. This year's edition has the support of the Municipality of Acri and the Region of Calabria, as a "Project participating in the 2023 Cultural Activities Announcement of the Region of Calabria- Education, Training and Equal Opportunities Department- Culture Sector".