In depth
What it is
The Borgopresepe is a widespread exhibition of handcrafted nativity scenes set up every year in Fiorenzuola di Focara, a small hamlet of the municipality of Pesaro overlooking the Adriatic Sea, within the Parco Naturale Regionale del Monte San Bartolo. It is not a single nativity scene in one location, but an entire village that transforms into a Christmas trail: the inhabitants set up dozens of nativity scenes in front of their homes, in the alleyways, in the courtyards and in the village squares, inviting visitors to stroll through the streets of the historic centre to discover them one after another.
What makes it special
The distinctive feature of the Borgopresepe is that it has no single author or single setting: the entire community of Fiorenzuola di Focara takes part, with families creating and looking after their own nativity scenes outside their front doors. In the 2017-2018 edition, there were about forty nativity scenes set up in the streets of the village, made with different techniques and materials, from small figurines hidden among plants and windowsills to a large nativity scene built with simple materials in the underground rooms of the neighbourhood headquarters. Local schoolchildren also take part with their works. The added value is the setting itself: a medieval village perched on the promontory of San Bartolo, with sea views, which in itself is one of the most evocative panoramic destinations in the Marche region.
Origins and history
The Borgopresepe was born from the spontaneous initiative of the inhabitants of Fiorenzuola di Focara, who for about a decade have organised the event with the commitment of village volunteers; the 2017 edition was the ninth, indicating a start approximately around 2009. The sources consulted do not report the name of a single founder nor a precisely documented founding date: the initiative is described as a collective tradition, grown year after year with new nativity scenes. The inauguration is traditionally accompanied by a parade of the Colombarone-Fiorenzuola di Focara brass band in costume, which passes through the village streets playing Christmas music. In the 2017-2018 edition, the opening had a special significance because the village was celebrating its rebirth after a fire, with a tribute to the Fire Brigade and a commemorative cross made from branches of burnt trees.
What to see
Walking through the narrow streets of Fiorenzuola di Focara, you encounter nativity scenes of every size and craftsmanship: traditional figurines arranged on windowsills and gardens, small scenes hidden among hedges and alleyways, more elaborate nativity scenes set up in house courtyards and in the windows of village establishments. The most scenic point is the large nativity scene made with simple materials (wood, fabric, recycled materials) in the basement of the neighbourhood headquarters. The route intertwines with the historic walls of the village and with panoramic views over the Parco di San Bartolo and the sea, making the visit also an opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic seaside villages of the Pesaro coast.
When and how to visit
The Borgopresepe traditionally opens at the beginning of December and remains open until mid-January, coinciding with the Christmas period. In the last documented edition (2017-2018), the route was inaugurated on Sunday 3 December 2017 at 5.30 pm, with the parade of the brass band, and remained set up until 14 January 2018; the nativity scenes in the village streets are freely visible every day, while the inauguration time includes an evening event with live music. Entry to the route through the village streets is free, with no ticket or donation indicated. For dates and times of the current edition, it is advisable to check with the Comune di Pesaro or local organisers, as the information gathered refers to past editions.
