Christmas in Ispica - Lights and Traditions

The 2025 edition of "Christmas in Ispica - Lights and Traditions" kicked off in early December with the switching on of artistic illuminations and the opening of Christmas markets on Corso Garibaldi, followed by the lighting of the tree in Piazza Unità d'Italia and choirs from local school children.

Santa's Post Office, managed by the Associazione il Dono, welcomed children on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd at the Pro Loco Spaccaforno headquarters. Among the highlights were the Christmas Concert in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and moments dedicated to Ispica's musical tradition in Piazza Unità d'Italia.

The heart of the festival was the Living Nativity Scene of Cava d'Ispica, set among the caves of ancient Spaccaforno, with a route of about one and a half kilometers and eight living scenes dedicated to the cycle of bread, a symbol of identity. The Living Nativity evenings took place on December 21, 25, 26, 28 and January 1, 4, 6, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The festival concluded with the arrival of the Befana on January 6th.

Markets and illuminations

• Switching on of lights and opening of Christmas markets on Corso Garibaldi (local products, handicrafts, and traditional sweets)
• Lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Unità d'Italia with school children's choirs and the Santa Cecilia Wind Orchestra

Santa's Post Office

• December 8, 15, and 22 — Pro Loco Spaccaforno headquarters, Corso Garibaldi (organized by Associazione il Dono)

Music and concerts

• December 25 — Christmas Concert in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
• Ispica musical tradition in Piazza Unità d'Italia

Living Nativity Scene of Cava d'Ispica

• Dates: December 21, 25, 26, 28 and January 1, 4, 6
• Time: from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:45 PM)
• Route of about 1.5 km with eight living scenes dedicated to the cycle of bread, among the caves of Cava d'Ispica

Befana

• January 6 — traditional arrival of the Befana