The living nativity scene in San Polo Matese

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At the foot of the mountains an event that has the entire population engaged

Christmas, a time and a holiday strongly felt in Italy as in much of the world. In Italy, the art of nativity scenes has been developed for centuries, and some towns have begun to organize a living nativity scene among the streets of historic town centers. This is the case in San Polo Matese, the first town in Molise to organize one back in 1982 at the behest of then-parish priest Angelo Spina.

On Dec. 26 and 27, immediately after the Holy Christmas, the town is transformed into a real living nativity scene, as almost the entire population takes part in it using most of the alleys and premises in the old town.

The village, thus transformed, welcomes visitors who, in large numbers, flock to enter a magical atmosphere. From about 5:30 p.m., access is allowed and, with a simple step, you go back more than two thousand years illuminated by the comet star that, bright, observes you from the side of the mountain in front of the village.

The beginning of the route is near the church of St. Anthony. From here you proceed into the village accompanied by the figurants who explain the various representations. The latter, recreated entirely among the streets of the ancient village, are as many as ten, listed below:

1. Engagement between Mary and Joseph
2. Oven for making unleavened bread
3. Spelt cleaning
4. Synagogue
5. Annunciation
6. Elizabeth House
7. Joseph’s Dream
8. Market
9. St. Peter’s Church: Herod and the obligation of the census required by the emperor
10. Inn

In the highest part of the village, near the medieval turret, a distinctive element of the village, the actual nativity scene is depicted. The stable, the baby Jesus with Mary, Joseph, animals and the Three Wise Men. There is no shortage of bagpipers to accompany this last, grandiose scene.

In the alleys, alternating with the performances, there are also numerous stops where you can stop and taste local products.

The advice is to arrive a few hours early. And, to beguile the wait, a short distance away is the Rogati Artistic Nativity, one of the largest and most artistic permanent nativity scenes in the region. The nativity scene was designed in 1961 by a Spanish artist, Juan Marì Oliva, aided for set design and figure ordering by Prof. Angelo Stefanucci. This creation was strongly desired by Dr. Luigi Rogati, a nobleman and owner of the property. He, in fact, since childhood, was passionate about nativity scenes and their messages of love. A passion that led him to realize his dream of having a permanent nativity scene in his home that he could show to the whole world.