In depth
What it is
The Presepe Vivente del Borgo San Giuliano is an open-air Nativity representation held in the streets of the ancient fishing quarter of Rimini, on the banks of the port canal. For a couple of hours via San Giuliano transforms into a small Bethlehem of two thousand years ago, with scenes of the birth of Jesus and tableaux of daily life from that era recreated by the neighbourhood's inhabitants. The initiative is promoted jointly by the parishes of San Giuliano Martire and Santa Maria Maddalena di Celle and is the heart of the Christmas event BorgoSolidale.
What makes it special
Unlike the large living nativity scenes set up in caves or natural areas outside the city, this one takes place within an inhabited and highly characteristic neighbourhood, among the low coloured houses and murals dedicated to Fellini that have made Borgo San Giuliano famous. The scenes do not occupy an isolated space but follow one another along the street, through alleyways and small squares, blending the Nativity with moments of daily life and ancient crafts, with live singing. The scenes are performed by families, children, volunteers and local participants, not professional actors: it is therefore a nativity scene made by the inhabitants of the borgo for their own borgo, a direct expression of the parish community.
Origins and history
The living nativity scene of Borgo San Giuliano is a recent initiative: the first edition was presented by the parishes of San Giuliano Martire and Santa Maria Maddalena (Celle) in December 2024, as the absolute debut of the event. The following year, in December 2025, the second edition took place, confirming the event as a new fixture of the Rimini Christmas season. The sources consulted do not mention a specific creator nor motivations other than the wish of the two parish communities to bring life to the borgo during the Christmas period; not being a centuries-old tradition, there is no information on long-term changes or developments.
What to see
Walking along via San Giuliano, in front of the parish church of San Giuliano Martire, visitors pass through an open-air narrative: the Nativity grotto with Mary, Joseph and the Child, together with tableaux of daily life set in Palestine two thousand years ago, with participants evoking ancient crafts and moments of life in the borgo. The atmosphere is enriched by singing and by the setting of the neighbourhood itself, with its colourful houses and murals overlooking the route.
When and how to visit
The living nativity scene is usually held on a single Sunday in December, close to Christmas, in the late afternoon. In the most recent known edition the appointment was set for 4 pm, running until 6 pm. Admission is free. As it is an annual event organised by the local parishes, the exact date and time should always be checked close to the date, as they may vary from year to year.
