In depth
What it is
"C'era una volta un Presepe sull'Acqua e la Natività ai Trepponti" is a living nativity scene that brings to life the historic centre of Comacchio, in the Ferrara area, on Christmas Eve. The representation of the Nativity takes place on the water of the town's canals, at the foot of the famous Trepponti bridge, and is organised by Associazione Al Batal as part of the wider Christmas programme "Natale a Comacchio", promoted together with the cultural association Marasue and Ascom Confcommercio.
What makes it special
What makes this nativity scene unique is above all its setting: not a stable in a field, but the lagoon heart of Comacchio, with its canals and the monumental Trepponti bridge, whose three ramps converge above the water, used as a natural backdrop. The performance takes place in Comacchio dialect, accompanied by a procession of costumed figures, music, themed dances and pyrotechnic effects that close the scene. The initiative is part of a wider project of nativity scenes spread across the water, set up under the arches of various bridges in the historic centre, with life-size statues depicting not only the Nativity but also scenes of daily life of the vallanti, the fishermen of the Comacchio valleys.
Origins and history
The sources consulted do not report a precise date of origin nor the name of who first conceived the representation: it is an established Christmas tradition of the town, carried forward over time by the dialect company Al Batal together with the association Marasue, with coordination by Ascom Confcommercio. Over the years the project has expanded, moving from a single evening event to a widespread route of multiple nativity scenes on the water visible under various bridges in the historic centre throughout the Christmas period, a sign of an event that has grown over time whilst maintaining its central moment on the evening of 24 December at Trepponti.
What to see
On Christmas Eve a procession of costumed figures parades through the streets of the historic centre to the Concattedrale, where the traditional Bambèn service is held, with the unveiling and blessing of the statue of Baby Jesus carried in procession. The procession then reaches the Trepponti bridge, where the representation of the Nativity comes to life, performed in dialect, with music and themed dances, closing with a pyrotechnic display on the bridge and canals. In the following days, strolling through the historic centre until Epiphany, visitors can admire the other nativity scenes on the water set up under the town's characteristic bridges, with life-size statues illuminated and reflected in the canals.
When and how to visit
The appointment with the representation at Trepponti is traditionally held on the evening of 24 December, whilst the nativity scenes spread across the water remain visible during the Christmas period, roughly from early December until 6 January. In the latest edition, on 24 December 2025, the programme included the costumed procession at 4.30 pm, the blessing of the Bambèn at 5 pm and the representation starting from 6 pm. The event takes place entirely outdoors, through the streets and on the canals of the historic centre, and admission is free.
