Living Nativity in Melilli

Melilli, in the Libero Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, is a municipality also known by the coveted title of City of Cribs: a recognition of the commitment, imagination and dedication of the inhabitants of Melilli, who give life to the Living Nativity in Melilli staging the Nativity to perfection.

Melilli, together with the neighboring towns of Villasmundo and Città Giardino, participates in the month of December in a great event characterized by the Living Nativity, Christmas markets and live shows, which involve all the inhabitants of the town and also those who, for the winter holidays, is found in Melilli in the last month of the year.

The one with the Living Nativity Scene is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited events for adults and children who live there magic of Christmas in an original and very special setting with the Holy Family, the shepherds, the Roman soldiers and the King Magi played by local actors. Throughout the month, the other activities organized to celebrate Christmas are the perfect setting for the Living Nativity Scene in Melilli, with jazz and gospel music, shows and entertainment for children.

The story of the Living Crib in Melilli

The Living Nativity Scene in Melilli has become a tradition, a show in which the local community has participated since 1990 with the support of the Municipality of Melilli. The Municipal Administration, the artisans, the actors and the entire local community participate in this great event Christmas event, which also involves neighboring countries, revealing itself to be a great and complete cultural event.

During these moments of celebration, the spirit of togetherness prevails which creates excellent relationships between the members of the community and it will also be a real pleasure for visitors to enter the town which celebrates with joy!

When the Living Nativity takes place in Melilli

The Living Nativity Scene in Melilli is an event that takes place in month of December, right in the Christmas time: set up on 26th December, the Living Nativity remains exposed to visitors until 6st January.

Where the Living Nativity takes place in Melilli

The Living Crib in Melilli is staged at the Convent of the Capuchin Friars Minor, in via dei Cappuccini n. 17. Melilli, together with Città Giardino and Villasmundo is one of the centers in which to find the highlight of the Christmas celebrations in the area.

What to do during the event of the Living Nativity in Melilli

Admission is free to visit the Living Nativity Scene in Melilli and this is the perfect event to bring the children too, to keep them entertained and learning at the same time. Why not organize a winter holiday in Sicily then? Melilli awaits you with its historic center with many churches: the Church of San Sebastiano, Church of the Madonna del Carmine , Church of the Holy Spirit are located in the center, in addition of course to the Mother Church of San Nicola.

A special mention goes to San Sebastian Square, with the church of the same name and the ancient eighteenth-century loggia: the simulacrum for the Procession of San Sebastiano and some festivals are held in the village, such as the greedy and unmissable Sagra Pititti, Pititteddi and Liccumarei.

In Melilli there are also several historic buildings, such as the former Benedictine Monastery, which has now become the Town Hall, or the Vinci Palace, which we advise you not to miss.

Among the most interesting sites in the area, you will find Megara Iblea, Thapsos and the Valle del Marcellino, dug by the river.

How to get to the Living Nativity Scene in Melilli

To get to Melilli, in the Libero Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, you can choose the train or the car. By car:, take the A18 Messina-Catania and take the Melilli exit, just 2 km from the centre; on the train, Syracuse station is the closest, about 18 km away, connected to Melilli by bus or shuttle.