In depth
What it is
Mombaroccio, a medieval village in the province of Pesaro e Urbino, hosts two distinct and complementary Christmas displays every December: an exhibition of nativity scenes from around the world in the parish church of Santi Vito e Modesto, in the heart of the village, and a living nativity scene set up in via Servici, towards Porta Marina. Both are part of the event 'E' Natale a Mombaroccio', organised by Pro Loco Mombaroccio, which transforms the village into a Christmas village with markets, scenery and shows.
What makes it special
The church of Santi Vito e Modesto, remodelled several times over the centuries, houses during the festive season a collection of nativity scenes of different origins and craftsmanship, freely accessible inside the sacred building, among sixteenth-century paintings and a late eighteenth-century organ. A few steps away, along via Servici towards Porta Marina, the living nativity scene recreates the grotto of the Nativity with the Holy Family, surrounded by everyday life and the trades of craftsmen of times past, enacted by village inhabitants in costume. All this takes place within the fortified village, with its fourteenth-century gates and walls providing a natural backdrop, enhanced by artificial snowfalls in the square and an evening procession of shepherds and the Three Kings through the streets of the historic centre.
Origins and history
'E' Natale a Mombaroccio' is organised by Pro Loco Mombaroccio and in the 2025 edition reached its twenty-fifth year, indicating that the event began around 2000 or 2001. There are no public sources that precisely document who first conceived the exhibition of nativity scenes from around the world or the living nativity scene, nor any changes to the route or display over the years. What is certain is that the two events, together with the craft markets, are now a permanent feature of the village's Christmas calendar, capable of attracting visitors from the province of Pesaro e Urbino and neighbouring areas of the Marche.
What to see
In the dim light of the church of Santi Vito e Modesto, nativity scenes made with different techniques and materials are displayed, designed to show how the Nativity has been interpreted by different cultures and hands around the world. Stepping outside, towards Porta Marina, the living nativity scene depicts the grotto with Mary, Joseph and the Child, whilst around them move costumed figures playing craftsmen and common folk of bygone times, among improvised workshops and animals. Through the village streets also parade shepherds and the Three Kings, in a procession that interweaves with the illuminations, the wooden chalets of the market and the artificial snowfalls that descend at set times in piazza Barocci.
When and how to visit
The event traditionally takes place during the first two or three weekends of December, opening from 10 am. In the 2025 edition, the dates were 29th and 30th November and 6th, 7th, 8th and 13th December. Admission to the market and village displays was charged at 5 euros at weekends, with free entry for children under 12 and for people with disabilities accompanied; the exhibition of nativity scenes from around the world in the church of Santi Vito e Modesto was free admission. Before planning your visit, it is advisable to check the official website or the channels of Pro Loco Mombaroccio, as dates and times may vary from year to year.
