In depth
What it is
The Presepe vivente di Acquapartita is a re-enactment of the Nativity that takes place every year in front of the church in the small village of Acquapartita, a hamlet of Bagno di Romagna, in the province of Forlì-Cesena. The initiative is organised by the Associazione Rilancio Acquapartita in collaboration with the local parish and brings to life for an afternoon this village nestled in the woods of the Romagna Apennines, near the lake of the same name and the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi.
What makes it special
What makes this nativity scene special is its intimate, community dimension, far removed from large-scale scenic productions: the re-enactment of the Nativity and traditional characters is interwoven with choral singing performed in the church and with displays of handcrafted nativity scenes. Around the main scene there are traditional games for children and adults, Christmas lights illuminating the small village and a refreshment point with hot drinks, designed as a sort of themed encampment. The setting itself, a mountain village gathered around its church in the heart of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, contributes to an intimate and authentic atmosphere, different from the large-scale living nativity scenes staged in other towns in Romagna.
Origins and history
The Presepe vivente di Acquapartita is a relatively recent initiative, promoted by the Associazione Rilancio Acquapartita, established to promote this small hamlet of Bagno di Romagna. Known editions reach the fourth, held in December 2025, which would place the first edition around 2022. No more detailed information is publicly documented about who had the original idea or how the event has evolved over individual editions; the certain facts concern the stable collaboration with the local parish community.
What to see
Visitors will find the Nativity scene set up in front of the village church, with the traditional nativity characters portrayed live. Inside the church, Christmas choral singing takes place. Along the route through the village, handcrafted nativity scenes made by private individuals and local associations are displayed, while Christmas lights decorate the streets of the small village. There is also a space with traditional games, designed to entertain young and old alike, and a refreshment point with hot drinks to warm up between visits.
When and how to visit
The event usually takes place once a year, on a day in early December, generally coinciding with a holiday weekend. In the last known edition, on the afternoon of 8 December 2025, the start time was set from 2.30 pm. The dates and times of subsequent editions are not yet confirmed at the time of writing this entry: it is advisable to check with the Associazione Rilancio Acquapartita or the tourist office in Bagno di Romagna before visiting. Admission to the event is free.
