Living Presepe – Living Nativity Scene
… e la Luce brillò… Venite e vedete!
17th edition
From December 26th 2021 to January 9th 2022
Parrocchia Sacro Cuore di Gesù –Trappitello, Taormina (ME)
Free Entrance
Face mask and super green pass required (only obtained by those who are vaccinated with two doses or who have recovered from covid)
During Christmas time in Italy, you are bound to come across cribs in homes and piazzas all over the country. Many cities also have a living crib, or a living nativity scene. It is thought that St. Francis hosted the first living nativity scene in 1223, sparking a tradition that continues in Italy to this day. Beginning on Christmas day, and running until January 6th, towns throughout Italy hold pageants to re-act the night of Jesus’ birth. Actors portray Mary, Joseph, the three Magi and other biblical figures from the gospel.
In Trappitello, peripherical area of Taormina, every year in Chrismas time, a Living Crib with more than 200 “actors” and “walk-ons” is organised. It is one of the most appreciated living cribs of Sicily counting 22.000/25.000 people visiting the event every year.
The location set is the huge garden of the old small church of Santa Venera with impressive old buildings such as an oil mill, a millstone, a mallet and a windmill. While in a secluded and evocative place the Capanna della Natività is located, where the Holy Child is welcomed and warmed by the love of his parents, Maria and Giuseppe, and by a docile ox and a tender donkey.
In fact there are many and various animals “working” as extras in the crib – among which a majestic camel stands out.
On January 6th, according to tradition, the Three Wise Men (the Three Kings) will enter “Bethlehem”, bringing their gifts to Baby Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
At the exit of the Living Nativity there is the possibility to visit the ancient Church of S. Venera, admire a rich exhibition of Holy Jesus and taste typical products of our tradition.
Opening hours:
– 26 December – 5.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 27 Dicembre – 6.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 29 Dicembre – 6.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 30 Dicembre – 6.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 1 January – 6.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 2 January – 5.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 4 January – 5.00 pm / 8.30 pm
– 5 January – 5.00pm / 8.30 pm
– 6 January – 5.00pm / 8.30 pm
How to get there: Motorway A18 Messina/Catania, exit Taormina, Direction SS. 185 (statal road, blu sign), 500 metres from the motorway exit.
More info: T. +39 0942/50210 – M. +39 339/8320324 and +39 349/4289961 – presepetrappitello@gmail.com
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