A guide to living nativity scenes in Emilia-Romagna

Discover the magic of the Living Nativity Scenes in Emilia-Romagna

In Emilia-Romagna, the Christmas tradition comes alive with the Living Nativity Scenes, a unique experience that combines faith, history and entertainment.

Small villages and towns are transformed into evocative settings, populated by characters in period costumes who evoke the magic of the Nativity. These events, immersed in an atmosphere of emotion and spirituality, offer the opportunity to rediscover ancient traditions and experience moments of authentic charm.

From the hills of the Apennines to the coasts of the Adriatic, each living nativity scene tells a different story, interweaving local culture and the celebration of Christmas.

Join us to discover the most evocative living nativity scenes in Emilia-Romagna during this festive period and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of this ancient Christian tradition, whose origins are linked to the work of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Reggio Emilia

Where: Basilica della Ghiara and Church of San Prospero, Reggio Emilia
When: Sunday 22 December 2024, 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Admission: free

The Living Crib of Reggio Emilia, organised by the AVSI Foundation (Association of Volunteers for International Service), is a firm fixture in the calendar of the city and will take place this year on the afternoon of Sunday 22 December.

The event of the birth of Jesus comes to life through the representation of the most important moments, accompanied by music, songs, dances and all the people who follow.

The nativity scene begins in two different places.
In the church porch of the Basilica della Ghiara there are three scenes: the Annunciation, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the Angel’s appearance to Saint Joseph in a dream. The figures of the nativity scene then move along Via Emilia Santo Stefano, following the donkey with Mary and Joseph towards Piazza del Monte.

At the same time, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men gather in Piazza San Prospero, followed by the bagpipers, who begin their journey along Via Emilia, also reaching Piazza del Monte.

The two processions then meet in Piazza del Monte and proceed together to the square in front of the Cathedral, where the nativity scene is presented, surrounded by the main figures of the crib.

Rivalta (PC)

Where: Rivalta, Val Trebbia (PC)
When: Tuesday 24 December 2024, from 10.00 pm
Admission: free

In Rivalta, a charming village on the banks of the River Trebbia, the traditional appointment with the Living Crib returns this year on Christmas Eve.

On 24th December 2024, from 10 pm, more than 100 characters will re-enact the birth of Christ: the arrival of the shepherds, the procession of the High Priest and King Herod, the visit of the Three Kings to the astrologist, the arrival of Mary and Joseph with the donkey.
There are also representatives of ancient crafts, carefully reconstructed.
The procession ends with the celebration of Holy Mass and then moves on to the crib for the adoration of Jesus.

During the day of 24 December it is also possible to visit the Rivalta Castle, with guided tours by reservation.

Fanano (MO)

Where: Fanano (Modena Apennines)
When: Tuesday 24 December 2024 and Sunday 5 January 2025, 6 pm to 11 pm
Admission: free

Presepe vivente di Fanano, Ezio via fanano.it — Living Nativity Scene in Fanano, Ezio via fanano.it

This year, as every two years, in the historical village of Fanano, at the foot of Mount Cimone, the evocative re-enactment of the Nativity and the ancient crafts will take place along the streets of the village, which has been transformed into “Fanano of yesteryear”.

The village, a TCI Orange Flag, is illuminated only by the glow of torches and more than 250 characters perform the ancient trades: for some it is the thrill of repeating the work of their grandparents learned as children, for others it is an opportunity to show their work today, but carried out as in ancient times.

The living crib can be visited from 6 pm, and the procession starts at 10 pm.
On 24 December, the procession is followed by a Mass at 11 pm in the Church of San Silvestro.
On 5 January, the same programme is complemented by a series of food stalls offering tasty local dishes.
On 29 December, however, there is no religious service, just the chance to see old handicrafts, taste traditional food and visit the hamlet.

Classe (RA)

Where: Casa dei Ragazzi, Via Romea Sud 224, Classe
When: Tuesday 24 December 2024 7 pm to 11.30 pm and Monday 6 January 2025 3 pm to 6 pm
Admission: free

Every year in Classe, a few kilometres from Ravenna, there is the re-enactment of Christmas Eve in which the characters of the living nativity scene are played by volunteers from the community of Classe.

On Christmas Eve, from 7 pm, the nativity scene comes to life to welcome all those who wish to pay homage to the Child Jesus. At 11.30 pm, the figures and visitors move in procession to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, where the midnight Mass is celebrated.
On the afternoon of the Epiphany, at 4.30 pm, the Three Kings arrive on horseback, bringing gifts for Jesus and all the children.

Montefiore Conca (RN)

Where: Montefiore Conca (RN)
When: 26 December 5 pm to 7 pm, 29 December 8.30 pm to 10 pm and 1 January 5 pm to 7 pm
Admission: free

In the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Montefiore Conca, in the province of Rimini, the Living Nativity is back this year with the reconstruction of numerous scenes related to the Nativity on three dates not to be missed: 26 and 29 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.

The historic centre will be transformed into a small Bethlehem, with animals, shepherds and cultural representations gathering around the fortress to recall the night of Bethlehem and the journey of the Magi.

The reproduction of ancient crafts and the sound of bagpipes enrich the evocative atmosphere, full of religious significance.