Alberobello Living Passion
The sacred Good Friday performance among the trulli
About Living Passion
The Living Passion in the town of trulli
In the town of Alberobello, in the Province of Bari and the heart of Puglia, Good Friday is no ordinary day. For nearly fifty years, this UNESCO-listed city of trulli has transformed into a grand open-air theatre for the Living Passion, a sacred performance that evokes the final days of Christ with over a hundred costumed actors. It is not merely a show; it is a collective ritual involving entire families, young and old, united in giving body and voice to one of the most intense chapters of the Christian tradition.
A community that becomes the stage
The event is promoted by the 'Da Betlemme a Gerusalemme' Association, in collaboration with the Sant'Antonio di Padova Parish and under the patronage of the Municipality of Alberobello. Over a hundred volunteers bring the traditional characters of the Passion to life: the apostles, Roman soldiers and temple guards, Pontius Pilate, members of the Sanhedrin, the thieves, centurions, as well as women and children. Each of them contributes to reconstructing, scene by scene, the journey from Jesus' arrest to the crucifixion, in an atmosphere made even more evocative by the evening lights and the unique charm of the trulli.
Faith, theatre, and popular tradition
The strength of the Alberobello Living Passion lies in its authentically popular dimension: each edition revolves around a theme that invites reflection, turning the Gospel narrative into a contemporary meditation on good and evil, and the light and darkness of our time. It is this blend of spirituality, collective memory, and staging that makes the event a highly anticipated appointment, not only for the locals but also for the many visitors who flock to the Valle d'Itria during Holy Week.
A free event open to all
Admission to the Living Passion is by voluntary donation: anyone can attend the performance for free, which takes place in the evening in the town centre. For Alberobello, one of Puglia's most famous tourist destinations, the Living Passion represents one of the most defining moments of the year, perfectly balancing the town's welcoming spirit with the depth of its religious and communal sentiment.
Living Passion — edition 2026
The 49th edition of the Alberobello Living Passion, now nearing half a century of history, took place on Friday, April 3, 2026, starting at 9:00 PM. The chosen theme, 'How long does the night last', continued the inner journey started with the Living Nativity scene, proposing a reflection on the many forms of darkness in the present (hatred, prejudice, injustice, abuse of power) and the search for light, peace, and love.
The great novelty of this edition was the staging: unlike previous years, all scenes, including the moment of the crucifixion, took place entirely in Piazzale Biagio Miraglia, in a single stage space designed to make the experience more intense and engaging for the public. Over a hundred participants, including young people and adults, played the traditional characters of the Passion.
Programme Living Passion 2026
Friday, April 3, 2026 — from 9:00 PM
Performance in a single stage space in Piazzale Biagio Miraglia, in Alberobello.
- 9:00 PM — Start of the sacred performance with the entry of the performers
- Staging of the episodes of the Passion: the apostles, the arrest, the trial before Pontius Pilate and the Sanhedrin
- The condemnation, the ascent to Calvary with the thieves and centurions
- The crucifixion, performed for the first time in the same stage space
Over a hundred costumed performers: apostles, Roman soldiers and temple guards, Pontius Pilate, members of the Sanhedrin, thieves, centurions, women, and children.
Highlights Living Passion 2026
Prices Living Passion 2026
Practical information — Living Passion
When
The Living Passion takes place every year on Good Friday, in the evening (usually starting at 9:00 PM).
Where
Alberobello (BA), Puglia. The starting point of the performance is Piazzale Biagio Miraglia, in the town centre.
How to get there
By car: Alberobello can be reached via the SS172 'dei Trulli' road, about an hour from Bari. By train: the Alberobello station is served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est with connections from Bari. On the evenings of the event, it is recommended to park in areas outside the centre and reach the event venue on foot.
Admission
Free, voluntary donation.
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Where does it take place — Living Passion
Piazzale Biagio Miraglia
Piazzale Biagio Miraglia, 70011 Alberobello