5 January
The Rivisondoli Living Nativity
Every 5 January since 1951, Rivisondoli becomes a nativity scene: shepherds, people in costume and the Three Kings arriving across the snow by torchlight.
It is the event that makes Rivisondoli famous throughout Italy. Every year, on the evening of 5 January, the village stages its Living Nativity: a tradition that has carried on since 1951.
What it's like
The performance unfolds in scenes following the Gospel story. Shepherds come down from the mountains beside their campfires, women in costume walk out from the village houses, the Three Kings cross the snowy landscape; in the lit stable, Mary and Joseph watch over the Child. All by torchlight, with a voice guiding the audience.
Practical tips
- Arrive early: it is one of the busiest evenings of the year and car parks fill up.
- Dress for the mountains: you'll be outdoors, at night, in January.
- Stay in the village: with a home in Rivisondoli you walk there and back, without worrying about the car or icy roads.
Requests for that week come in very early: if you want to be there, message us well in advance.
