Betlemme al Borgo – Living Nativity in Serritella

A living nativity in the heart of the Daunian Mountains

Betlemme al Borgo is the living nativity scene that brings the village of Serritella to life every year around Christmas. This small hamlet, located just a few kilometers from the center of Volturino in the Province of Foggia, lies in the heart of the Daunian Mountains in Apulia. For a few magical evenings, the ancient stones of the village come alive, transforming into a suggestive reenactment of the Nativity that draws hundreds of visitors from neighboring towns and even the nearby Molise region.

The village of Serritella and its Sanctuary

The event takes place around the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Serritella, the patron saint of Volturino, set in a stunning natural landscape among the hills of the Daunian Mountains. The choice of location is no coincidence: its narrow alleys, stone houses, and ancient medieval convent provide an authentic setting that organizers use to reconstruct the atmosphere of Palestine from two thousand years ago.

The route: over 250 performers and dozens of scenes

The nativity is structured as a true journey with various stages, featuring over 250 performers distributed across different stations, along with numerous animals. Along the way, visitors encounter:

• the Roman soldiers' camp and the Temple;
• workshops of ancient crafts, from the carpenter to the potter;
• shepherds and their flocks;
• the Magi's Tent;
• Herod's Palace, set up inside the ancient medieval convent.

The historical reenactment group Legio V Alaudae and the Zampognari of San Marco in Lamis also participate, accompanying the route with traditional Christmas melodies.

The Nativity performance

The central moment of the event is the theatrical performance of the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, enhanced by extraordinary light and sound effects. The scene is repeated every evening, allowing those who arrive at different times the chance to witness the emotional core of the nativity.

Flavors of the Daunian Mountains

The route also features a rich gastronomic itinerary dedicated to the traditional dishes of the Daunian Mountains: a perfect opportunity to discover the flavors of the rural cuisine of the Foggia hinterland while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the illuminated village.

Origins and organization

Founded in 2022, "Betlemme al Borgo" is organized by the La Fabbrica di San Pietro parish group together with the S. Maria Assunta Parish of Volturino, with the involvement of dozens of local volunteers. The event is deeply linked to the local community's devotion to the Madonna di Serritella and is now one of the most popular Christmas events in the entire Daunian Mountains area.