In depth
What it is
The Presepe Vivente Itinerante di Brisighella is a theatrical representation of the Nativity that takes place every year on St Stephen's Day among the squares and alleyways of the medieval village in the province of Ravenna. For one afternoon the historic centre becomes a little Bethlehem: around a hundred participants, all volunteers from the community, bring to life costumed scenes along a route that crosses the town, from the Annunciation to the Adoration of the Magi.
What makes it special
Unlike many living nativity scenes set up in a single location, the one in Brisighella is itinerant: spectators follow the unfolding story on foot, moving from square to square alongside the characters. The scenes involve a hundred participants, all local residents, with period costumes, a shepherds' encampment, a desert encampment with animals, reconstructed workshops and houses, right up to the king's palace. What makes the setting unique is the village itself: the stone houses perched on the hill, seen from afar, have often been compared to a natural nativity scene, and it is precisely this resemblance that inspired the initiative. The event is organised jointly by the parishes of Brisighella and San Ruffillo and by the Pro Loco, with the involvement of other local associations.
Origins and history
The idea was born in 1981 from the chaplain don Vittorio Santandrea, struck by the resemblance between the village seen from above and a nativity scene. For the first two years the performance was staged with few participants in the open space in front of the ancient churches of San Francesco and Santa Croce. From 1983 the main scene moved to piazza Carducci, in front of the facade of the Collegiata, where the route still concludes today. Over time the initiative has expanded, adding new scenes and new stops in the village streets and transforming into the itinerant route that characterises the event today, supported by the local parishes, the Pro Loco and the municipal administration.
What to see
The route begins in Piazzetta Porta Gabolo with the scene of the Annunciation, then continues in Piazza Marconi with the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth and, at the beginning of Via Naldi, with Joseph's dream. Joseph and Mary then set off in search of lodging through the village streets, among scenes of daily life at the time of Jesus: a mountain shepherds' encampment, a desert encampment with animals, period workshops and dwellings, the king's palace. The route concludes in the small amphitheatre of Via Spada, a place that recalls the origins of the event, where the Nativity, the visit of the shepherds to the manger and the adoration of the Magi are performed.
When and how to visit
The living nativity scene is usually held only once a year, on 26 December, in the afternoon, in the historic centre of Brisighella. In the most recent edition, on 26 December 2025, the first scenes began at 4 pm in Piazzetta Porta Gabolo, with arrival at the small amphitheatre of Via Spada for the Nativity around 5 pm. Admission is free. Dates and times may vary from year to year: before planning a visit it is advisable to check the updated programme on the Pro Loco or Comune di Brisighella channels.
