Cerqueto Living Nativity

A living nativity scene in the Gran Sasso mountains

The Cerqueto Living Nativity is one of the most deeply rooted and beloved religious and folk traditions in Abruzzo. It takes place in Cerqueto, a small mountain village in the municipality of Fano Adriano, in the province of Teramo, nestled at an altitude of approximately 755 meters within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Every year on December 26th, the village becomes a vast open-air Bethlehem, reviving the atmosphere of the Nativity from over two thousand years ago.

An unbroken tradition since 1965

The first edition dates back to 1965; since then, the community of Cerqueto has preserved and passed down this performance, which reached its 58th edition in 2025. Recognized as the Living Nativity of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, it is now a true cultural heritage of the Teramo province and the entire Abruzzo region. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Cerqueto, with the patronage of the municipality of Fano Adriano, the Regional government, the BIM Vomano-Tordino Consortium, and the Park Authority.

The sacred performance

The show unfolds in a series of theatrical "tableaux", retracing episodes from the Old and New Testaments accompanied by a soundtrack, dialogue, and a narrator. Key scenes include:

• The Creation of the World and the expulsion from Eden;
• The story of Abraham and the prophecies of the Prophets;
• The Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel;
• The Census of Caesar Augustus;
• The Birth of Jesus and the adoration of the shepherds;
• The appearance of the Star and the arrival of the Magi.

The performance involves over 200 participants, mostly locals, who move across the hillside overlooking the village, covered in ancient oaks, utilizing caves carved into the rock, small wooden bridges, and the natural landscape. The harmonious interplay of light, shadow, and music makes the setting particularly evocative in the darkness of the mountain evening.

An experience to live in Abruzzo

Attending the Cerqueto Living Nativity means immersing yourself in one of the most authentic Christmas traditions of the Abruzzo Apennines. Admission is free, and as the performance takes place outdoors during the coldest time of the year, warm and comfortable clothing is required. The village and surrounding area also offer visitors the chance to discover the nature of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the hospitality of the mountain towns in the Teramo area.