Marineo's Living Nativity

In the province of Palermo, at the municipality of Marineo, every year the Living Nativity, inspired by ancient medieval traditions and set in 1223.

In the evocative setting of the beautiful Beccadelli Castle the main characters of this historical and religious event they lend themselves to creating a fascinating representation of the Nativity.

Marineo is a Sicilian center famous for the custom of setting up artistic nativity scenes in public places and also in private homes, where entire rooms are often used for similar events.

The cult of the Child Jesus is particularly felt in these parts, also thanks to the work of the young people of Catholic Action who for some years have contributed to creating the famous Medieval Living Nativity Scene.

History of the Living Nativity of Marineo

Marineo is a charming village of around 6000 inhabitants located between Palermo and Corleone, nestled in the Elauterio Valley and surmounted by the Rocca, an imposing mountain formation of limestone origin.
The Living Nativity Scene, which connects to aancient Christian custom dating back to the XNUMXth century, it includes a short theatrical performance set in the streets of the village, where the architectural and landscape context are perfectly suited to the purpose.

Starting from the years immediately following World War II, this custom, which first took place sporadically and then every year, involved an ever-increasing number of figures, both from the village and from other localities.

Description of the Marineo Living Nativity Scene

After countless modifications, aimed at making this event increasingly exciting and engaging, the Marineo Living Nativity Scene now takes place in the representation of 23 paintings with around 150 characters.

The setting is set up in an ancient neighborhood where the urban context is particularly suitable thanks to the presence of buildings with a clear medieval imprint.
The preparation of the event includes the participation of the members of the Brotherhood of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as well as that of numerous private citizens, who provided their work free of charge.

Today the Marineo Living Nativity Scene is considered one of the main events in the Palermo area, capable of attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.
In addition to the possibility of admiring evocative living paintings of the Nativity, it offers the opportunity to taste some typical food and wine products of the area.
Those who love Nativity Scenes can also access the many private displays that Marinesi citizens make available in their homes.

When the Living Nativity of Marineo takes place

For a few years, in the days 25, 26, 30 December e 5 6 and January visitors can admire this exciting religious show that has always involved adults and children.

What to do during the event

During the performance of the event it is advisable to occupy a seat in the front rows, especially if you are traveling with children, who must have an unobstructed view.
Therefore it is always advisable to avoid the busiest hours (between 11am and 13pm or between 16pm and 17pm) in order to admire the performance in peace.

How to get to the Marineo Living Nativity Scene

Marineo is a municipality located within the metropolitan area of ​​Palermo and which can be reached in various ways.

Those arriving at Punta Raisi airport must then take the Palermo-Catania motorway and exit at the Villabate junction, continuing along the Palermo-Agrigento expressway where the signs for Marineo are clearly visible (which is only 27 kilometers).

In the Marineo area there are some car parks where you can leave your car.auto (for those using their own transport) as the historic centre, where the Living Nativity scene takes place, is a pedestrian area.