In depth
What it is
The Presepe vivente e corteo dei Magi di Coriano is a costumed nativity re-enactment that brings the historic centre of Coriano, in the province of Rimini, to life, transforming the Castello Malatestiano into a grand open-air theatre. Promoted by the Circolo Oratorio Anspi San Sebastiano together with the Zona Pastorale di Coriano, with the patronage of the municipality, the event tells the story of the Nativity through a route that connects the parish church, the narrow streets of the village and the castle walls, culminating in the final procession of the Three Kings.
What makes it special
What makes this re-enactment unique is its setting: not a simple display in a square, but a real Malatesta castle, with gates, walls and moat that become the natural scenery for the story. Over a hundred costumed participants bring multiple living tableaux to life: in the moat stands the shepherds' encampment, within the walls the village comes alive with the stalls of merchants and craftsmen and the palace of King Herod, whilst along the route ancient trades and scenes from the Gospels unfold, from the Roman census to Herod's guards. Everything concludes with the procession of the Magi crossing the village to the church, where the Nativity is staged.
Origins and history
The first editions date back over twenty years, with five performances organised between 2005 and 2009, after which the initiative was discontinued. From 2024 the Parrocchia di Coriano, prompted by some families from the educators' group of the Oratorio Anspi San Sebastiano and in memory of the late don Fiorenzo, decided to revive the tradition, moving the event to the Sunday following Epiphany to encourage wider participation. The organisation now involves volunteers, youth associations and local businesses.
What to see
The route winds between the church and the narrow streets leading up to the Castello Malatestiano. In the moat you encounter the shepherds' encampment, whilst within the walls the village opens up with the stalls of merchants and craftsmen and Herod's palace, where the census ordered by Rome, the story of the adulteress, gladiatorial combat and the passage of Roman guards are enacted. The Holy Family, having arrived in Bethlehem and been turned away by innkeepers, sets off in search of shelter, until the procession of the Three Kings moves from the castle towards the church, where the living nativity comes together in the scene of the Nativity.
When and how to visit
The event is traditionally held on the Sunday following Epiphany, in the afternoon. In the most recent edition the nativity scene was open from 4pm to 7pm, with a reserve date one week later in case of bad weather. Admission is free; voluntary donations are collected along the route, intended to support future editions. For confirmation of dates for the current year it is advisable to contact the Zona Pastorale di Coriano.
