Events in Romagna /

Christmas nativity scenes in Romagna and Bologna

119 nativity scenes across Romagna, Bologna, Ferrara, San Marino and Pesaro: how they are made, which edition, where they are and how to get there.

A Christmas of nativity scenes, from the sea to the Apennines

In Romagna, Bologna and the Pesaro area the nativity scene is a living tradition: parishes, local associations, craftsmen and whole villages build them, a little different every year. Here you find the nativity scenes from Lido di Volano to Pesaro, from the Riviera to the hamlets of the Apennines: the famous ones and the village ones that only locals know.

For every nativity scene you find how it is made, which edition it is, where it is with the address and the map, how to get there by car, train and bus, and whether admission is free. The dates are updated every year: when those of the new Christmas come out, usually between mid November and early December, the nativity scene moves into the calendar with the right days.

Many nativity scenes open on 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and stay open until Epiphany, 6 January, or a little longer. Living nativity scenes, instead, are staged only on a few evenings, often between Christmas Eve, St Stephen's Day and Epiphany.

Kinds of nativity scene

Living nativity scene 20
People in costume act out the Nativity and the life of an ancient village, often in the streets of a hamlet and only on a few evenings.
Mechanical or animated nativity scene 21
Figures moved by mechanisms, with lights, running water and the cycle of day and night.
Artistic nativity scene 39
Handmade figures and sets in terracotta, wood, plaster or papier-mâché, often in churches and crypts.
Sand nativity scene 3
Large sand sculptures shaped on the beach by professional sculptors, sheltered under a covered structure.
Village or trail of nativity scenes 17
A whole village showing nativity scenes in its streets, windows and courtyards: you see it on foot.
Nativity scene exhibition 16
Collections of nativity scenes from all over Italy and the world, gathered in a museum or a hall.
Nativity scene show or competition 3
Shows and competitions with nativity scenes by schools, families, craftsmen and enthusiasts.

Area

Type of event

Kinds of nativity scene

The dates of next Christmas's nativity scenes come out between November and December: below are the ones of the last edition, with the month they usually open.

Dates are those announced by the organisers and may change: always check the official site of the event before you leave.

Every year in Romagna

Events that come back every year and whose new dates are not out yet. The month is that of the last edition.

Tips for your visit

  • Check dates and hours on the official site before you set off: many nativity scenes open only at weekends and on holidays.
  • For living nativity scenes arrive early and dress warmly: they are outdoors and in the evening.
  • Parking is scarce in the villages: use the car parks given on the page of each nativity scene and walk the last stretch.
  • Combine several nearby nativity scenes in one day: the page of each one lists the other events in the area.

Go to the event without worries

No parking to look for and no drive back: a driver takes you to the entrance and waits for you at the end.

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