Living Nativity Scene of Montenero di Bisaccia

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In Neolithic caves a characteristic nativity scene

Christmas, with its air of celebration and happiness, community and family, brings with it centuries-old traditions. Such is the case with the nativity scene, which, from the simplest representation has evolved in some countries to a full-fledged living nativity scene.

This is the case, for example, in Montenero di Bisaccia. The town, located on the top of a gentle hill, enjoys the panorama from the Abruzzo mountains to the sea. If the views were not enough, it has a special feature, the Neolithic sandstone caves.

The area, in fact, is rich in natural features such as badlands (so much so that it has a dedicated park) and caves. And it is in these that much of the living nativity scene that has been attracting tourists and visitors to the village during the Christmas holidays for more than 40 years is developed.

Used since antiquity, they lend themselves well to the re-enactment of the birth of Jesus, the events that took place and the reconstruction of ancient workshops where one can relive past times by admiring skilled artisans, witnessing the various crafts of yesteryear and tasting traditional products.

This is how a winter evening is transformed into a walk through history and religion in a distinctive and evocative place.