Living Nativity of Giarratana

Il Crib magically comes to life in Giarratana: in the small village in province of Ragusa, there is a great event which draws the attention of Sicilians and tourists every year to one of the smallest villages on the island. The inhabitants of Giarratana are less than 3 thousand, but their devotion is strong and their creativity surprising, especially for those who have never witnessed this great sacred representation: the Living Nativity in Giarratana!

At first glance, the performers' clothes, perfect historical reconstructions full of details and perfectly finished, immediately capture the attention, which however soon moves to the actual representation: thanks to the skill of the actors, Giarratana slowly transforms into Bethlehem , the Manger appears, but also the artisans' and shepherds' shops, the ancient trades come back to life and, in a nutshell, all the characters that we usually see in the Nativity scene appear, but in the flesh, interpreted according to a nineteenth-century interpretation.

A show truly enthralling, which lights up the night with fires, lights and braziers, in the religious silence with which the public watches the show with admiration and devotion, following the Holy Family and the Three Kings, along the route of the Living Nativity Scene in Giarratana.

The story linked to the Living Nativity of Giarratana

The Living Crib in Giarratana was staged for the first time in 1994 and since then the Cultural Association "Gli Amici ro Cuozzo" renews its prestigious invitation every year to all those who wish to relive the wonderful atmosphere of the Crib. This artistic and religious event has also received awards such as "Best Living Crib of Sicily" in 2013 and then throughout Italy. Giarratana, an ancient village built in an area inhabited since prehistoric times, has thus become an extraordinarily sought-after destination for all lovers of living nativity scenes. The event is particularly interesting also for smaller.

When the manifestation of the Living Nativity takes place in Giarratana

In Giarratana it is possible to visit the Living Nativity from 26 December, until the 30, from 17:00 to 20:30. At the same times, it will also be possible to purchase tickets for the performances on 1, 5 and 6 January.

Where the Living Nativity takes place in Giarratana

The Living Nativity Scene in Giarratana takes place in the village, with the Living Paintings that enliven various locations in the centre; starting from the Salita del Castello dei Settimo, on the other hand, a silent path begins which leads to Campo Grotta, where the Nativity is staged.

What to do during the manifestation of the Living Nativity in Giarratana

By purchasing the entrance ticket, visitors can enter a truly enchanted world, to transform the winter vacation in Giarratana in a real artistic experience: following the shepherds through the streets of the crib, observing the Living Paintings that you will meet along the way, is an engaging activity; you will feel like you have stepped back in time and you will no doubt treat yours Christmas holidays a touch of magic! Then, go back to the present and visit all the beauties of this small town at the foot of Monte Lauro: in fact, in addition to nature, you will find monuments and places to discover in Giarratana.

In Mother Church of Giarratana, consecrated to Maria SS. Annunziata, there are works from the XNUMXth century, but also older statues and paintings; the ancient Church of St. Bartholomew it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693 and rebuilt, but still retains the beautiful original Baroque altar. There Basilica of Saint Anthony it is instead the oldest church in the village and its origins date back to the fourteenth century.

In the centre, you will also find several places where you can stop to taste the local specialties, such as the irresistible almond nougat, sweetened with honey and a must on the table during the Christmas period! After eating, you will be ready to continue the tour and visit the ruins of the Castle of the Seventh, where the Living Picture of the Nativity takes place, but also the surroundings of the town, from Iblean Museum of Emigration al terravecchia site.

How it is possible to reach the Living Nativity in Giarratana

Giarratana, in the province of Ragusa, can be easily reached with the train, getting off at Ragusa station, which is about 15 km away and continuing to the center by bus or shuttle; alternatively, if you want to get to Giarratana with yours auto, you can take the A18 Messina-Catania, take the exit for Lentini-Carlentini and take the SS194 up to Giarratana.