Besides Christmas tree, Italy has a very strong tradition generationally conveyed on preparing the Nativity. From North to South, no exceptions allowed: Everyone needs to prepare their own.

Christmas is the time of the year you may want to consider to take a trip to Italy and visit at list one of these amazing places that show their special concept of Jesus Christ’s birth.

There are several and unique venues to check-out.

CIRIE’ – TORINO

753 sf is the space is taken for the representation of Jesus’ village. The scenery is one of the biggest in Italy and has the exclusive aspect to be covered by snow. It is the reproduction of the Alps, with a very special view of waterfalls, houses, streams, and characters. St. Joseph’s Church hosts the event.

CAVALLERMAGGIORE – CUNEO

It has been happening for many years. The mechanical nativity is created after many months of hardwork.

For this representation, the expert volunteers have the pride to have used 322 sf of space. The statuettes have an old age, too because these are dated back to ‘700. Moreover, there are some other which have jointed upper and lower limbs, to make possible the mechanical movement.  Starting December 21^st, you will be able to see this amazing Nativity in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.

LAVENO MOMBELLO – VARESE

This is a truly unusual nativity because it is submerged under three meters of water. All the characters has been realized out of Vicenza rock. To make a clear view of the scene the creator has also placed lights underneath the water to make the whole image more spectacular.

It has been 42 years since the representation keeps repeating. Every year 42 statuettes are used to fill-up the Christmas scenery. The event is already opened to the public to St. Filippo & Giacomo Church.

MANAROLA – LA SPEZIA

It is located in Cinque Terre, and it is considered the world-famous outdoor nativity scene.

Characteristics? It is illuminated nativity.

For this reason, Manarola holds the Guinness record for this project 7 miles of electric cables, 15000 fires and 300 full-scale figures are used. If you are going to La Spezia, you should not miss the opening ceremony with fireworks illuminating the sky.

OLMEDO – SASSARI

There is a reason more to stop by the beautiful Sardinia island: its nativity is made out of bread paste.

Local artisans have been involved in the years on working on this nativity project. Therefore, have been realized over than 160 bread statuettes. Unfortunately, bread is a product very easy to deteriorate, so help is consistently needed.

The event is hosted to Nostra Signora di Talia Church.

  Antonia L. Mosca