Christmas in Naples 2013 | Living Cribs in Naples and Campania

Here's where to find the Living Nativity Scenes in the province of Naples and Campania, where some cities are transformed into "little Bethlehem"

The tradition of the Nativity scene is one of the oldest in Italy, but especially in Naples, which dedicates one of the most famous streets in the historic center to it, San Gregorio Armeno.

The representation of the Nativity is made even more evocative if the roles of the Madonna, Saint Joseph and Baby Jesus are played by human figures, in a centuries-old tradition called the Living Nativity Scene.

The first Living Nativity Scene in history was created by Saint Francis of Assisi in Rieti in 1223, in the village of Greccio, and since then it has become an organized Christian tradition in Italian cities and towns but also throughout the world.

During the Christmas holidays, living nativity scenes are also set up in Naples and in many cities in Campania , through theatrical performances that celebrate the birth of Jesus through the use of extras, often local people, and scenography that involves the spectators in the setting of the period, also showing them the presence of shepherds and ancient professions that have now disappeared.

Living Nativity Scenes are often organized by towns and villages, which, for the occasion, transform their streets and squares into the ideal locations to host the nativity scene, offering visitors a journey into the daily life and customs of the Nativity period.

Here are the Living Nativity Scenes set up in Naples and the province and in some cities of Campania

Naples

Via Terracina - Fuorigrotta

In the Fuorigrotta district, in the Parish of Sant'Ignazio C., “Il Presepe sul Presepe” will be set up. It has now reached its sixth edition and includes a detailed guided tour, offered to all visitors who will be divided into small groups, to discover the Living Nativity Scene.

When: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December 2013 from 18.00 (in case of rain the event will be held Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December)
Where: Parish of Sant'Ignazio C., Cupa Vicinale Terracina 65

province of Naples

Torre Annunziata

Neapolitan Folk Living Nativity

A reimagining of the classic nativity scene with a Neapolitan twist, showcasing a glimpse of 800th-century Naples at Christmas . A "Pazzariello," a Neapolitan town crier, will lead spectators through the mystery of the Incarnation, showing them the nativity characters through shops and taverns, culminating in the grotto, atop a two-story stage structure. The show is organized by the folk group O' Pazzariello and has been translated into five languages ​​to spread Neapolitan culture.

When: from 27 to 29 December 2013 hours 19: 15
Where: Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, Church of Carmine

Licola

Christmas Market and Living Nativity

A Living Nativity Scene in eighteenth-century Neapolitan style will be set up in the Falcone farm's archaeological park . Over three hundred figures will bring to life the most famous atmospheres of the Neapolitan nativity scene school in about twenty scenes, including colorful huts and stage sets. Among glimpses of everyday life and ancient, forgotten crafts, street vendors and musicians will be present, as well as oriental ladies, Moors, fishermen, carpenters, shoemakers, farmers, shepherds, washerwomen, and potters. Free admission.

When: 13 December from 16 to 22; 14 and 15 December 2013 from 10 to 22
Where: Falcone Institute of Licola

Information on the institute's official website

agerola

XXV edition of the Living Nativity

In the small hamlet of Campora, in Agerola, a fascinating Living Crib inspired by the Neapolitan eighteenth century will be set up thanks to the collaboration between the Parish of San Martino Vescovo di Campora and the Pro Loco of Agerola. The celebration reaches its 700th edition and includes a representation that will involve about 200 characters and which will take place in the streets of the historic center of Campora.

When: from 26 to 29 December 2013 and 4 January 2014 from 17.30 am to 20.30 pm
Where: historic center of Campora

Information on the Agerola Pro Loco website

trecase

XXXIV edition of the Living Nativity

The youth group and the parish events group of Trecase, together with the Parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie and San Gennaro di Trecase, will organize a Living Nativity Scene in the main square of the town. January 5th will be particularly impressive as the "solemn arrival of the Magi" will be awaited. Trecase is one of the 8 longest-lived living nativity scenes in southern Italy.

When: 25, 26, 28, 29 December 2013 and 1, 4, 5, 6 January 2014 from 17 to 20.30
Where: Piazza San Gennaro

You can view the complete program on the Tricase Living Nativity Scene website.

PIMONTE

White Christmas

The second edition of Bianco Natale will be held in the Municipality of Pimonte, featuring Christmas markets and a Living Nativity Scene. Now in its nineteenth year, it will guide visitors on a 1km trail through the Lavatoio Valley in the Lattari Mountains. It will be a truly evocative and picturesque experience. The markets will also offer tastings of typical local products and displays of local crafts. For more information, read our detailed article.

When:

•  8 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  14 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  15 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  21 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  22 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  26 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  28 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  29 December: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  01 January: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  04 January: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  05 January: from 16,00 to 21,00
•  06 January: from 16,00 to 21,00

Where: Piazza Roma, Valle Lavatoio and other streets of the municipality

Avellino

Forino

XVII edition of the Living Nativity

In the magical setting of ancient Forino, as every year, a Living Nativity Scene will take place, a tradition that has become part of the Campania region. The nativity scene will be staged in the old farmhouse next to the Feudal Palace , with approximately two hundred participants in period costume depicting biblical scenes from the Annunciation to the Nativity, as well as everyday life from the era, including traditional crafts from Palestine two thousand years ago and those of the artisanal tradition of Forino.

When: December 29, 2013, January 1, 5, and 6, 2014, from 17:30 PM to 19:30 PM

Information on the official website of the Forino Living Nativity Scene

Gesualdo

The streets, alleys, and houses of the medieval historic center will host the Gesualdo Living Nativity Scene , with two hundred participants in period costume demonstrating the crafts and traditions of the nativity scene and the history of Gesualdo, creating the perfect Christmas atmosphere. Free admission with guides.

When: December 28 and 29, 2013

Information on the official Facebook page of the Gesualdo Living Nativity Scene

Benevento

Morcone

XXXI edition of Crib in the Crib

Every year, visitors to this evocative Living Nativity Scene climb Mount Mucre with the shepherds , along steep, winding streets, passing through scenes of the Annunciation and the journey of Mary and Joseph, to reach the grotto where the Nativity takes place, where the last-born of the village plays the role of Baby Jesus. A torchlight procession, the "'ndocciata di Agnone," will also be held , warming the atmosphere of this small Italian Bethlehem. Four hundred figures perform, creating a magical and evocative representation.

When: January 3 and 4, 2014, from 15 p.m.

Information on the official website of the Nativity Scene in the Nativity Scene

Faicchio

In the historic village "Porti" in the locality of Casali there will be a living nativity scene with three hundred figures in period costumes, thirty-five stations of ancient crafts, three cellars set up in detail and three dining areas. Along the way it will be possible to taste typical local products in various inns, with music and narration of the scenes of the nativity scene in piped music. Every hour there will be the "outbreak" and the arrival of the Comet that will illuminate the Magi and the entire nativity scene. Visitors will also be covered in fake snow at the end of the performance. Free admission.

When: December 26, 28, and 29, 2013; January 4, 2014; from 18:00 PM

Information on the official website of the Benevento Provincial Tourism Board

Caserta

Vaccheria

Living Nativity of the '700 Neapolitan

The route winds through the streets of the village for about a kilometer, on the sides of which biblical scenes, environments and visions are represented, some of which revisited through the Neapolitan tradition.

When: 26, 28 and 29 December 2013; 4, 5 and 6 January 2014 from 17 to 20; 6 January from 11 to 13 and 17 to 20
Entrance: 4 euro, children free up to 6 years

Official site of the Living Nativity of Vaccheria

Salerno

Cava de 'Tirreni

IV edition of the Living Nativity

The Parish of Santa Maria del Rovo will stage a spectacular Living Nativity Scene , engaging all visitors with sounds, scenic effects, and interaction with the shepherds. Visitors will be transported back to a miniature Bethlehem, with two hundred figures dressed in period costume, along a trail where they can touch various animals, discover ancient crafts, and taste typical local products, amidst soft lighting and evocative aromas. The trail will lead to the Bethlehem Grotto, where the Holy Family and Baby Jesus are all alive. Free admission.

When: December 28 and 29, 2013; January 1, 4, 6, 11, and 12, 2014, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Information on the official website of the Parish of S. Maria del Rovo

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