In depth
What it is
The nativity scenes of the village of Cuffiano are a widespread trail of nativity scenes set up in gardens, courtyards and on balconies in Cuffiano, a small hamlet in the municipality of Riolo Terme, in the province of Ravenna, between Riolo Terme and Castel Bolognese. It is not a single monumental nativity scene to admire, but a collective display: dozens of families in the village each set up their own nativity scene in front of their home, transforming every corner of the village into a small open-air exhibition, freely accessible throughout the Christmas period.
What makes it special
The distinctive feature of this initiative lies in its widespread and popular nature: not a single nativity scene created by an artist or an association, but an entire village transformed into a trail of domestic nativity scenes. In the most recent edition, around 35 families participated, with over 40 nativity scenes scattered among courtyards, gardens and balconies, in a village with barely a hundred inhabitants between the hamlet and surrounding countryside. To help visitors, especially the youngest, locate each nativity scene hidden among the houses, each installation is marked with a red ribbon, turning the visit into a sort of nativity scene hunt suitable for families with children. Materials and styles are those of domestic craftsmanship, without an imposed theme, and it is precisely in this spontaneous variety that the charm of the trail lies.
Origins and history
The initiative began about fifteen years ago from an idea by Giuliana Cavina, a resident of Cuffiano, as a response to concerns about the progressive disappearance of religious symbols from schools and public life, with the aim of keeping the nativity scene tradition alive in the community. The proposal was enthusiastically received by the village inhabitants, who in subsequent years have continued to participate in large numbers, making the event a fixed appointment in the local Christmas calendar. In 2025 the initiative reached its fifteenth edition, confirming itself as a moment of gathering for a small rural community attached to its religious and social roots.
What to see
Walking through the streets of Cuffiano, visitors encounter nativity scenes of all types and sizes, carefully arranged by the village families in their gardens, courtyards and balconies: from small traditional huts to more elaborate settings, each with its own domestic and artisanal character. A reference point on the trail is the parish church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo di Cuffiano, where the opening ceremony takes place, whilst at the Parco della Memoria in the village refreshments are offered to visitors at the end of the inaugural walk.
When and how to visit
The nativity scene trail in Cuffiano is usually held during the Christmas period, from the Immaculate Conception to Epiphany. In the last known edition, opening ran from 7 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, with the inauguration on 7 December at 2.30 pm at the church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, in the presence of the Bishop of Imola; the programme was repeated on 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The dates for the next edition are not yet known. Visiting is free and open to all: the nativity scenes can be admired by strolling through the village streets at any time during the opening period. For information, contact the IAT office in Riolo Terme.
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