Borghi e Presepi

An Open-Air Christmas in Carnia

In the mountains of Carnia, at the foot of Monte Zoncolan, there is a village that dresses in light and storytelling every winter: Sutrio, in the province of Udine. From December until Epiphany, the Borghi e Presepi event transforms the town into a large open-air nativity scene, where Friulian artisanal tradition meets art and scenography. Organized by the Pro Loco Sutrio, it is one of the most beloved Christmas experiences in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Nativity Scenes in Courtyards and Porticoes

Walking through Sutrio during the event means discovering dozens of nativity scenes — especially in wood, but also in various materials — scattered among courtyards, small squares, and windowsills, the result of the skill of local artisans. Two masterpieces stand out: the large nativity scene in Piazza San Pietro, with life-size cedar statues and a wooden grotto over five meters long, and the famous Presepio di Teno, a creation by master Gaudenzio Straulino, animated by secret gears that move figures and lights.

Videomapping, Way of Christmas, and Living Nativity Scene

In the evening, the building facades light up with videomapping, luminous projections that recall past years' nativity scenes like a "family album" of the village. Along the Via del Natale (Way of Christmas), artisan workshops open their doors, and craftsmanship becomes storytelling. The most exciting moment is the living nativity scene on January 5th, when local actors and extras represent the Nativity and the arrival of the Magi in the village streets. Borghi e Presepi is an invitation to experience Christmas authentically, immersed in the atmosphere of the porticoes and courtyards of Carnia.