Living Nativity Scene in the village of Licodia Eubea

A big party in the streets of the village of Licodia Eubea, municipality of the Metropolitan City of Catania in Sicily, reaches its fourth edition this year: the Living Nativity Scene in the Sicilian village sees the joyful participation of the inhabitants, citizens from neighboring countries, tourists; and again: civil authorities, volunteers, religious, pastry chefs, bakers, cooking experts, all united in the celebrations that stage the Nativity and biblical scenes in the streets of the town, to involve everyone, faithful and tourists, in the earthly representation of love of God for his children.

In the days of 25, 26, 28 and 29 December Licodia Eubea becomes Bethlehem, transforming the town's shops and dammusi into ancient refreshment points of the great Living Nativity, from the shepherds' houses to the manger of the Child Jesus. The festival resumes on January 4th and 5th, to offer everyone typical dishes, local products and freshly baked desserts in the representation of the Birth of Jesus.

The Living Nativity is an initiative that combines religion and gastronomy, created by Parishes of Santa Margherita e Saint Lucia with the participation of the whole country.
By offering participants tasty dishes, the community celebrates Jesus Christ and his Love in a moment of joy and union among all the faithful.

Architecture of the living nativity scene in the village of Licodia Eubea and the works of art it houses

The Living Crib is created thanks to the initiative of the local parishes, with the collaboration of the authorities and citizens, as well as all those who make their skills available to the community in the creation of the Crib: every street in the Borgo is transformed into the streets of Bethlehem and the premises of Licodia Eubea become meeting points and attractions for citizens and visitors.

In particular, the wealth of inns in the town offers the opportunity to taste different local products in each dammuso.

The dammuso is a particular construction with a vaulted roof, which characterizes the Sicilian villages: each dammuso welcomes visitors by offering them sweets, bread, legumes and cheeses.

The Cuddiruna, a typical braided donut, can be tasted at the baker's, legumes and wine can be found at the inn, at the dammuso of the Pataco you can taste the local dish par excellence, polenta prepared with grass pea flour and seasoned with broccoli and sausage.

The Living Nativity scene combines religion and folklore, architecture and cuisine, offering everyone the opportunity to actively participate in the representation of the birth of Our Lord.

The scents that spread through the streets of the village make the atmosphere even more inviting, calling visitors to a stop in each dammuso, to still taste freshly made cheeses, cavatiddi and desserts cooked in wood-burning ovens, some of which are set up especially for the occasion.

What to do near the living nativity scene in the village of Licodia Eubea and in the surrounding area

The Living Nativity Scene in the village of Licodia Eubea is a real attraction, which attracts thousands of tourists, also from nearby villages and is open to all: those who want to discover this religious and food and wine festival at the same time can choose to stay overnight in the province of Catania for a winter holiday, also discovering what the island offers in the cold season.

Strolling through the streets of the Borgo, so expertly adorned, is a pleasure for the eyes and the palate, but also for the spirit: good food, beautiful performances, perfumes, happiness and company can be found in every corner of the town these days of festivity for which, those who arrive in Licodia Eubea during the month of Christmas, will be able to taste special dishes and experience the magic of the Nativity in a completely original way.

In some of the dammusi set up especially for the occasion, it will be possible to assist in the preparation of typical local products, such as fresh cheeses, which can then be tasted once they are ready.

Walking through the town, you will of course also have the opportunity to discover the architectural and historical beauties of Licodia Eubea, such as the ancient ruins of the Santapau Castle, from whose hill you can admire the whole country, or the Church of the Crucifix, the oldest religious building in Licodia and dating back to the XNUMXth century; if the day permits, it is really not the case to give up a visit of the lake Dirillo, which is actually an artificial dam, but offers the visitor the view of splendid natural colours, between the blue green of the waters and the gentle green of the hills.

In Licodia Eubea, in the Sicilian hinterland, you can taste the authentic flavor of the island, both in terms of history and gastronomy; and then, do not miss even one of the local products that you will find in the Living Nativity.

Not far from the town, however, you can visit the interesting Verghian Imaginary Museum, which is only 7 km away, in the Trao-Ventimiglia Palace, where you can still breathe the atmosphere dear to the great Sicilian writer: a place halfway between history and literature, perfect for concluding a journey under the banner of evocative magic that began with the Living Nativity.

How to get to the living nativity scene in the village of Licodia Eubea

For the occasion, on the special days of December and January, the whole town becomes a theater with its streets, squares and inns ready to welcome tourists: reaching Licodia Eubea from every town in Sicily is easy.
By train, you can get off at Ragusa Station and continue by bus or shuttle to the town, which is 26 km away; by car, Licodia can be reached from the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, taking the Lentini-Carlentini exit.