Self-propelled Artistic Crib in Cinisi

Il mobile crib in Cinisi has been organized for many years in the village, in the Christmas time, and it is an attraction that involves both adults and children. Its creation has a very long history and over the years it has always been enriched with new details, so much so that in recent years, due to its beauty, it has been included in the Register of Intangible Heritage which was established by Sicily region.

A visit to the town to visit this marvel of craftsmanship can also be the right excuse to discover other beauties of Cinisi: here, therefore, is all the useful information.

Description of the Artistic Self-propelled Crib in Cinisi

The self-propelled nativity scene in Cinisi is a very faithful reproduction on a 1:10 scale that reproposes the Nativity but set in a Sicilian habitat, within which there are all the more traditional activities of this corner of the island, from woodworking to pastoralism and agriculture. Another peculiarity of this crib is given by the fact that the work is made using local materials such as stone, fabric, iron and so on.
Furthermore, everything is made even more fascinating by the fact that all the figurines move and they seem to come to life in their daily activities. The composition occupies an area of ​​over 60 square meters and the figurines are dressed according to the Sicilian fashion of the fifties.

The story linked to the moving nativity scene in Cinisi

The story of the self-propelled nativity scene in Cinisi begins in 1955 when the artist Lorenzo Randazzo begins its composition, however creating a small part of the village and equipping the whole with a mechanism to create the sense of movement. If the original idea is Lorenzo's, however it is his son Giacomo who brings the work to its climax: in 1988 he takes over the nativity scene, left by his father in its primordial state, and adds new activities, making it become a good part of what today it can be admired. The refinement of the work, however, is certainly due to Lorenzo, Giacomo's son, who in recent years has inherited the legacy of his grandfather and father and has added new details that have made it even more beautiful and so loved by the public. .

When the Self-propelled Crib takes place in Cinisi

The self-propelled nativity scene in Cinisi is held during the Christmas holidays, starting fromDecember 8 and until Epiphany day.

Where the mobile crib takes place in Cinisi

The self-propelled nativity scene in Cinisi is set up every year in Palace of the Benedictines located in the heart of Cinisi, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando.

What to do during the moving nativity scene in Cinisi

Cinisi it is not a country known only for the self-propelled nativity scene and its beautiful beaches, like that of Maybe, perfect for doing all water sports, but it is also a village rich in architecture and works of art.

One of the most characteristic structures is the Town Hall which is actually a former Benedictine convent of the eighteenth century. Of similar age, since it was built in 1718, is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Furi, known above all for the presence inside of some beautiful paintings on slate, in particular those that portray the Madonna del Rosario and San Giuseppe. But the most important religious building in the country that gathers all the devotees and faithful is represented by the Mother Church, dedicated to Santa Fara. Extremely particular is the Carriage Museum which collects some examples of means of locomotion of this type, including examples of hearses. Finally, the one known by the name of is also worth a visit Mulinazzo Tower, a fortification from the Roman era of which only a few ruins remain, overlooking the sea.

How to get to Cinisi

Those who leave Palermo to admire the moving nativity scene in Cinisi will have to travel, by car, the E90 while from Catania, Enna and Caltanissetta it will be sufficient to take the A19. The most suitable road for those coming from Trapani is the A29 followed by the E933 while from Agrigento it is recommended to follow the Ss189. From Messina the shortest route is the one that takes you first on the A20 and then the E90, finally from Syracuse first the A19 and then the E932.

Cinisi is also equipped with its own railway station which it shares with the municipality of Terrasini, the connections via are always active bus made available by the AST company that depart from the main Sicilian cities.