Tour of Sicily’s living nativity scenes: tradition, faith, and community

During the Christmas season (December-January), Sicily transforms into a widespread theater of sacred and popular performances. Caves, quarries, historic centers, and medieval villages become the perfect backdrop for staging the Nativity, amid ancient crafts, recreated workshops, and traditional flavors.

This itinerary crosses the provinces of the island to guide you on a journey of discovery of the most evocative living nativity scenes: from Custonaci to Madonie, from Ispica to Sutera, an immersive journey through Sicilian culture, faith, and identity.

Custonaci: the Magic of the Cave

Among the Scurati caves, Christmas comes to life with one of the most evocative living nativities on the island. Faithful settings, ancient crafts and traditions revive a truly immersive spectacle, so remarkable that it has been included among Sicily’s Intangible Heritage. A Christmas event eagerly awaited every year.

Ispica and La Cava: a nativity scene between nature and history

In the heart of Cava d’Ispica, one of Sicily’s most exciting living nativity scenes comes to life. The natural caves become theatrical stages where the Nativity and ancient crafts are brought back to life: firrari, cannizzari, carrittieri, and uttari recreate a lost world, amid cave-like surroundings and rural traditions.

Monterosso Almo and Giarratana: villages in celebration

In the heart of the Ragusa area, the historic centers of Giarratana and Monterosso Almo come alive with Christmas lights. The streets of the town are transformed into a real-life nativity scene, with costumed figures and ancient ovens lit up. Christmas is celebrated through the simplicity of life as it once was.

Cassibile and Cavagrande: the Nativity in the lakes

On the road between Avola and Cassibile, near the Cavagrande Nature Reserve, a living nativity scene is set up surrounded by nature. The famous lakes become the backdrop for an evocative Nativity scene, where spirituality meets the landscape and the community becomes a theater.

Sutera and Licodia Eubea: between Rabato and Etna flavors

In the Rabato district of Sutera, an ancient Arab area, the streets are filled with performers and lights. Licodia Eubea welcomes visitors with nativity scenes, the aroma of baked goods, and tastings of local products. Two villages, two souls, one passion for Christmas traditions.

Castanea delle Furie: Christmas among palaces and hills

In the Messina area, among the hills of S. Rizzo, the nativity scene comes to life in the gardens of Villa Costarelli. A faithful and detailed reconstruction, in a unique natural and architectural setting, which also evokes Herod’s palace.