History, tradition and religion: with the living cribs in Abruzzo, art comes to life and join local communities
Living cribs in Abruzzo are one of the tourist attractions that invite thousands of visitors to come Italy every year. They represent a tradition combined with religion, but their fascination attract everyone because of the way they are realised.
They are works of art in which local artists can express their creativity. The living cribs in Abruzzo are realised in suggestive locations and reproduce the typical costumes of the period. Their authenticity captivates both adults and children ...discover with us where they can be found.
Living cribs'tradition in Abruzzo
The tradition of living cribs in Italy involves all regions, from North to South. The first was realised by Saint Francesco of Assisi in 1223 in Greccio, a medieval village 15 km from Rieti. Even today, the living cribs in Abruzzo are still realised with great popular participation: there are many set-ups to keep this custom alive. Entire neighbourhoods or villages get active and collaborate to re-propose live the details of life and ancient trades of the time.
Producing a living crib in Abruzzo needs the involvement of hundreds of figures. It is an opportunity to visit the location where it comes to life and also admire its surroundings.
One of the living cribs in Abruzzo will come to life in Giulianova on 26 December. The meeting place is Piazza Buozzi, the time from 6pm to 10.30pm. The historical centre of Giulianova is magical, the ideal meeting of history and religion. This year it will be inspired by the Neapolitan symbolism and it will re-propose the typical setting of 18th-century Naples.
The streets of the centre will come alive with characters who will recount, with anecdotes and legends, the Neapolitan spirit and the traditions that have been handed down for centuries. It will have an exuberant character and will transmit cheerfulness, so you won't get bored! Reservations are recommended for faster access.
At 5.30 pm, a procession of figures will open the event. In addition to the special 18th century costumes they will be wearing, there will be a spectacular performance by the 'Compagnia dei Folli' with its dancing angels.
In case of bad weather, the event will be held on 6 January 2023.
The living Franciscan crib in Abruzzo
The appointment in Campli (TE) is on 6 January 2023 to admire another of the living cribs in Abruzzo. From 4 to 8 p.m., the Convent of the Capuchin Friars hosts an event that has been repeated for years and to which the local community contributes significantly. The representation of the Nativity in this place is also an invitation to discover a village rich in archaeological finds and medieval and Renaissance monuments.
This living crib is proposed in the Franciscan style, therefore with poor and sober materials, perfectly in line with the place that hosts it.
Rivisondoli: the oldest living crib
Tradition, history and sobriety characterise the representation of the Nativity in Rivisondoli, in the province of Teramo. It stands out among the living cribs in Abruzzo as it is the oldest in Italy, after the one performed by Saint Francis.
It will be staged at the Pié Lucente hut on 5 January 2023. Some characters will be played by inhabitants of neighbouring towns. It is a gesture that stands as a symbol of solidarity and brotherhood and that wants to unite the entire community of the Altipiani Maggiori.
The living crib of miracles
It takes place in the basilica of the Madonna dei Miracoli in Casalbordino, in the province of Chieti. The dates set are 26 December 2022 and 7 January 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Among the living cribs in Abruzzo, it is the emotional one. In fact, after passing through the gate, one is catapulted into the religious atmosphere of the Nativity that accompanies every visitor to the end of the path. One experiences the spirit of Bethlehem, reproduced with the activities and lifestyle of the time, until arriving at the hut where Jesus is found.
The appointment at Vasto
It is part of the Christmas traditions in Vasto to revive moments to be shared with the entire community. The participants are dressed in period clothing and walk through the historic centre, amidst the dim light that recreates the atmosphere of ancient times. The entrance to the gardens of Palazzo d'Avalos continues through the alleys and leads to the grotto of the Nativity.
Along the way you can see for yourself the life of the Bethlehem community: craftsmen, women working at the loom, blacksmiths, carpenters and children at play. It is definitely one of the living cribs in Abruzzo to be admired.
The event will take place on 26 December 2022 and on 1 and 6 January 2023 from 17.30 to 20.30.
The spirit of tradition at Chieti
Among the living cribs in Abruzzo, Chieti closes the city's calendar of Christmas events. It takes place on 6 January 2023 from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. inside La Civitella Museum. It starts in Via Ravizza and continues through the streets of the historic centre.
It is organised by the Teate Nostra association.
