Tour of Living Nativity Scenes in Calabria

The tradition of Living Nativity Scenes in Calabria boasts ancient origins and enchants young and old alike with the beauty of its Mediterranean settings and costumed figures.

From north to south, the Living Nativity Scenes in Calabria enliven the Christmas festivities with events that last until Epiphany, offering visitors the magic of the authentic Nativity and the pleasure of discovering craft demonstrations, tastings of typical Christmas products and live music.

Let's visit the main Living Nativity Scenes in Calabria and the events that enliven them.

The tradition of the Living Nativity Scene in Calabria stems from ancient customs linked to the regional nativity scene with authentic settings and crafts. The most famous of the Living Nativity Scenes in Calabria is undoubtedly that of Panettieri, in the province of Cosenza. With a tradition dating back decades, the Living Nativity Scene in Panettieri is now a veritable theatrical performance, complete with dramaturgy and direction, and an integral part of the region's historical events.

Immersing yourself in the timeless atmosphere of the Living Nativity Scene is a magical experience that enchants young and old alike and offers an original and interactive way to visit the towns that host it. Lovers of traditional Calabrian nativity scenes can visit some of the most beautiful installations at the Nativity Scene Museum in Reggio Calabria and the Mechanical Museum of Moving Shepherds in Tropea.

Almost all located in authentic villages and hamlets, which already resemble small natural nativity scenes, the Living Nativity Scenes in Calabria are among the most engaging events of the Christmas holidays. Among the most famous in the province of Cosenza, in addition to the aforementioned Living Nativity Scene in Panettieri, those in Acri, with a route that faithfully reproduces daily life in Bethlehem at the time, and Rocca Imperiale, where the visit takes place in the streets of one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, are well worth a visit.

In the province of Catanzaro, the Living Nativity Scene in Pentone, a small village in the Sila area, stands out, opening its historic centre to dozens of actors and artisans. the award-winning Living Nativity Scene in Gasperina, overlooking the enchanting panorama of the Gulf of Squillace, and the Living Nativity Scene in Miglierina, a plunge into the daily scenes of Palestine two thousand years ago, skilfully recreated thanks to the participation of the entire community. A gem? The spectacular projections of the "Village of Light", an innovative project that combines visual art and technology, transforming the Miglierina Nativity Scene into an enchanted setting for young and old alike.

The Living Nativity Scene in Strongoli is a worthy representative of Christmas in the province of Crotone, with an evocative setting inside the Norman Castle, the perfect location following its recent restoration. In the provinces of Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria, we recommend the Living Nativity Scene in Nicotera, a splendid medieval village overlooking the Costa degli Dei, and Stilo, "the town of Tommaso Campanella" and one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, which stages its Living Nativity Scene around the jewel of Calabrian Byzantine architecture: the Cattolica of Stilo.