Carrufo Scattered Nativity Scene

The Carrufo Scattered Nativity Scene

In the heart of the L'Aquila Apennines, at the foot of the Gran Sasso massif, the tiny hamlet of Carrufo, in the municipality of Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi (L'Aquila province, Abruzzo), hosts one of the most evocative scattered nativity scenes in the region every Christmas. This is not a living nativity scene with actors, but a wooden silhouette nativity: cut-out, delicately illuminated figures that appear along the alleys, on the steps leading to houses, under arches, and in the oldest corners of the village. Each group tells a small story, with essential figures and clean lines that amplify the intimate and silent atmosphere of the village.

The Silhouettes of Paolo Seccia

The artistic soul of this initiative is the artisan Paolo Seccia, creator of the wooden silhouettes that are enriched with new creations year after year. Many figures are born from the recovery of reclaimed materials, also recalling the memory of the post-earthquake reconstruction. Alongside the hut with the Nativity and traditional characters, scenes of village life come to life: the baker's corner, the blacksmith, and the shepherd busy making cheese. Visitors do not just observe the nativity scene; they walk through it, wandering among the narrow streets of the village that become a single, scenic installation.

A Village Tradition

Carefully set up by the Pro Loco of Carrufo during the months of November and December, the nativity scene is a well-established tradition that has been renewed for years and has grown to become a highly anticipated event of the Abruzzo winter. The event has also gained national notoriety, with reports broadcast by RAI (including "Uno Mattina") and visits from prominent figures in journalism and entertainment.

Markets and Flavors

The visit to the nativity scene is accompanied by markets featuring traditional products set up by local artisans and, on certain days, a small museum of historical objects with free admission. There is no shortage of convivial moments with Christmas sweets and wines from the nearby Ofena valley. It is an opportunity to discover an authentic village in the L'Aquila Apennines during the most magical time of the year.