Living Nativity Scene in Montallegro

Christian tradition dating back to San Francesco d'Assisi, the living nativity scene is one of the most evocative and fascinating events that are organized in Sicilia. Among these, the Montallegro living nativity scene It stands out for its peculiarities which make it an essential stop during the holidays and tours of the Christmas period.

History of the living nativity scene in Montallegro

It gets lost in the pages of the history of over four hundred years of Montallegro the chronicle of the first living cribs of the center in the Agrigento area. Of course, it is the concentrate of local traditions that characterizes it, making it an authentic live journey into history of the village which, initially erected on top of the Mount Suso, since the seventeenth century it has been located downstream of the same, with an ideal setting to recall the scenario in which Jesus was born. The local population enthusiastically participates in the living nativity scene, bringing industriousness, historical memory and a sense of community to a moment that it has been repeated for centuries, always the same, while adapting to changing times.

When the living nativity scene takes place in Montallegro

It is the Christmas time and of the end of the year celebrations the moment in which the Montallegro nativity scene literally comes to life. Usually held over six distinct days, from mid-afternoon to mid-evening, the living Nativity scene in Montallegro is recall event throughout the area and beyond, with the participation and appreciation of many visitors and tourists who come to Montallegro precisely to attend this performance, held by the residents of the town themselves.

Where the living nativity scene takes place in Montallegro

It is the very central one Piazza Giovanni Paolo II the headquarters of the living nativity scene in Montallegro. Near the neighbor Museum of Peasant Civilization, which is located in the same square, the living Nativity scene is an ideal complement to the Museum itself, staging those peasant, artisan and domestic traditions that have been handed down for centuries. The objects, the clothes, the customs come alive for the benefit of the visitors who cannot fail to be enchanted by one choral and participatory representation with passion.

What to do at the living nativity scene in Montallegro

The living nativity scene in Montallegro is accessible to all: an undoubted advantage that arises from the completely flat location. Therefore open to the use of every visitor, the living nativity scene in Montallegro is characterized by the costumes, the attention to detail, the many period instruments and the staging of ancient rural practices, in addition to the rich local culinary traditions: the soup or the typical pasta with sardines and breadcrumbs, bread with extra virgin olive oil from the area, bread and panelle, focaccia, very fresh ricotta, “caliati” (roasted) chickpeas, wine and freshly squeezed blonde orange juice, seasonal fruit and the ever-present “cavatunedda”, traditional sweets base of wine, almonds, honey and cinnamon: a tasty union of excellent local products. Furthermore, it is possible to visit the nativity scene exhibition, and make purchases in the Christmas market.

How to get to the living nativity scene in Montallegro

Getting to Montallegro for the living nativity scene is simple: the city is served by state road 115, took which in the direction of Sciacca simply exit at Montallegro.

For those who do not arrive with their own or rental car, bus lines are available that arrive via the same road, without in any way suffering from the absence of an active railway station. Similarly, travelers from outside Sicily can arrive by car or bus: the closest airports are the Falcone and Borsellino of Palermo, which is 150 km away and the Vincenzo Florio of Trapani, which is only 130 km away.