Arbëreshë Living Nativity
The Nativity in Albanian costume through the alleys of the Borgo di Costantinopoli
About Arbëreshë Living Nativity
The Nativity in Arbëreshë costume
In the heart of winter, Portocannone transforms its historic center into a large living nativity scene. Through the alleys of the Borgo di Costantinopoli, with entrance from Piazza Skanderbeg, dozens of figures in Arbëreshë costume bring the Nativity scene to life and re-enact ancient crafts, restoring the atmosphere of yesteryear in one of the Albanian-speaking villages of lower Molise.
A community event
Organized by the Municipality of Portocannone, the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul, and the Pro Loco Skanderbeg, the living nativity is an annual event held during the Christmas period, between Christmas and Epiphany. The most anticipated moment is the arrival of the Three Wise Men on horseback, which takes place on Epiphany Day.
Between tradition and taste
The event is often combined with the food and wine event GustiAm Portocannone, which accompanies the visit with the flavours of the region. The living nativity thus becomes a double occasion: to relive Christmas in the setting of a village with a unique identity and to discover the specialities of Arbëreshë and Molise tradition.
Arbëreshë Living Nativity — edition 2026
For Christmas 2026, Portocannone renews its Arbëreshë Living Nativity through the alleys of the Borgo di Costantinopoli. As per tradition, figures in Albanian costume will bring the Nativity and ancient crafts to life, with the highly anticipated arrival of the Three Wise Men on horseback on Epiphany Day. The precise dates and times will be announced by the Municipality, Parish, and Pro Loco in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Arbëreshë Living Nativity 2026
Program to be announced. The traditional structure of the event includes:
- Performances of the living nativity on several days during the Christmas period (usually between December 26th and Epiphany), from around 6:00 PM
- Figures in Arbëreshë costume, Nativity scenes, and ancient crafts in the Borgo di Costantinopoli (entrance from Piazza Skanderbeg)
- Arrival of the Three Wise Men on horseback on January 6th
- Combined with the GustiAm Portocannone food and wine event
Detailed dates and times for 2026 will be announced by the organizers.
Highlights Arbëreshë Living Nativity 2026
Prices Arbëreshë Living Nativity 2026
Practical information — Arbëreshë Living Nativity
How to get there
Portocannone is located in lower Molise, in the province of Campobasso, near Termoli. Entrance to the nativity scene is from Piazza Skanderbeg.
When
Performances during the Christmas period (between late December and Epiphany), usually from 6:00 PM. Arrival of the Three Wise Men on horseback on January 6th. Free admission.
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Where does it take place — Arbëreshë Living Nativity
Borgo di Costantinopoli (ingresso da Piazza Skanderbeg)
Piazza Skanderbeg, 86045 Portocannone