Christmas in Colle di Tora

Christmas on Lake Turano

Clinging to a rocky spur overlooking the waters of Lake Turano, Colle di Tora is one of the most picturesque villages in the province of Rieti, in the heart of Lazio. A village of Roman origin once called Collepiccolo, built on the banks of the Tora river, it owes its current appearance to the large hydroelectric basin created in the 1930s, which transformed the valley into a water amphitheater worthy of its nickname, the "Little Switzerland." It is in this setting that, every December, the municipal Christmas program comes to life, managed by the Pro Loco of Colle di Tora with the collaboration of the Agrarian University, the parish, and the local citizens.

A program of performance and devotion

The festival calendar alternates between recreational events and moments of religious reflection, designed for families and visitors who reach the village during the holidays. The heart of the 2025-2026 edition was the theatrical performance "The Night of the Nativity – Francis and the Child in the Straw," an original work written and directed by Daniela Franchi, which took place on January 3, 2026, in the municipal park. Performed by an entirely local cast, with sets, arrangements, and costumes created through the collaboration of the inhabitants, the show evokes Saint Francis of Assisi's desire to revive the simplicity of the Nativity, contrasting the humility of the grotto with the authority of Herod's palace.

The living nativity scene that closes the festivities

The most anticipated moment remains the staging of the living nativity scene, which enjoys great success every year and concludes the celebrations. On Epiphany, the village comes alive from the morning with the arrival of the Befana in the historic center, bringing gifts to all the children; in the afternoon, in the evocative setting of the public municipal park with Lake Turano as a backdrop, the sacred representation is staged, followed by the traditional "Kiss of the Baby Jesus." Throughout the evenings, there is no shortage of traditional songs like the Pasquarella, workshops, and convivial moments.

In the land of the first nativity scene

Colle di Tora is located just a few kilometers from Greccio, the place where Saint Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene in history in 1223: it is no coincidence that the entire Rieti area experiences Christmas as a time of strong identity, with artistic and living nativity scenes scattered throughout the villages. Visiting Colle di Tora during these days means discovering an authentic corner of inland Lazio, made of stone alleys, views of the lake, and a community that proudly preserves its traditions.

• Where: Historic center and Municipal Park of Colle di Tora (RI)
• When: Christmas period, from December to Epiphany
• Organized by: Pro Loco of Colle di Tora on behalf of the Municipal Administration
• Don't miss: The living nativity scene on the lake and the arrival of the Befana