Living crib of Giuliana

Il Living Nativity of Giuliana it is a very heartfelt event throughout Sicily and immerses you in a very engaging atmosphere. Here's what you need to know about a tradition that has been carried on for several centuries with great participation from the local public and from other cities.

What is Giuliana's Living Nativity

Every year, on the occasion of the Christmas time, Palermo town di Giuliana dresses to party for the Living Nativity. The typical central house is surrounded by a particular historical environment, with shops dating back to ancient times and re-proposed to create a magical atmosphere. In this way, it is possible to spend some Christmas-themed evenings, without forgetting the enhancement of the salient features of thelocal food and wine.

The story of the Living Nativity

Giuliana's Living Nativity is closely linked to the history of the town that hosts it. It is likely that its origins date back to the Middle Ages, with the presence of a farmhouse until 1185 owned by the gens Julia. In that year, the emperor William the Good ceded the area to the bishop of Monreale. From the XNUMXth century onwards, the area was attributed to the Ventimiglia and Peralta families, who gave it a notable urban connotation.

Towards the middle of the sixteenth century, Giuliana became a marquisate by the Swabian emperor Charles V, to then be managed by the Cordonas and then by the Gioenis until 1812. After the end of feudalism, various religious buildings were built, such as an Arab construction and the churches of San Calogero, San Nicolò of Bari, the Holy Rosary and Most Holy Crucifix. In a similar context, the Living Nativity assumes a decisive role.

When the Living Nativity is held

The Living Crib in Giuliana takes place every year between Christmas and Boxing Day and the advent of New Year's Eve. In principle, the chosen days are the 27, 28 and 29 December, but there are some small variations on the theme.

Where the initiative takes place

The Living Nativity is organized near the shining fortress of Giuliana, within the popular district Pizza Prituria. The village stands among the round peaks of the purest and most genuine Sicily, with the opportunity to get to know the best of the regional hinterland. The streets of the local historic center are dressed up for the party, with the presence of actors and extras ready to give life to a show to be admired.

What to do during the celebration

The event can be the right moment to get to know a surprising place like Giuliana. They are set up shops and stalls for taste various typical dishes, as well as you can carry out excursions among the steep streets of the town, halfway between a glorious past and a fascinating present.
The opportunity to get to know fish and craft products, the true pride of the Sicilian territory, should not be left in the background, without forgetting the religious significance of the event. Furthermore, it is enough to move a little to get to know the Castle of Frederick II, an authentic symbol of pride and protection for Giuliana.

How to reach Giuliana

To reach the town of Giuliana by car, it is sufficient to take the SS 624 starting from Palermo and taking the junction for the SP towards Sambuca di Sicilia, to then take the SS 188 and reach your destination. By train, you need to get to the Castelvetrano station about 39 kilometers from the town, or to Palermo-Guadagna about fifty kilometers away.