Food and Wine Living Nativity

A living nativity you can taste

The Food and Wine Living Nativity of Licodia Eubea is one of the most distinctive Christmas events in the Iblean area, within the Calatino district of Catania. Its uniqueness lies in merging two experiences: the sacred representation of the Nativity and an authentic food and wine tour through the flavors of Sicilian tradition. The public does not just observe; they walk, discover, and taste, immersing themselves in the life of yesteryear.

A route through the historic center

The path winds through the most evocative spots of the village: from the Calvary, on the hill dominated by the church of the Madonna della Divina Provvidenza, to the Castle and the ancient stone houses of the historic center, many of which are opened for the occasion. The narrow, illuminated, and decorated streets become the natural stage for a grand open-air set, leading to the culminating scene of the Nativity grotto.

Crafts and figures from another era

Dozens of actors in period costumes animate the workshops and corners of the village, bringing to life the professions of rural Sicily from the past:

• farmers, shepherds, and housewives;
• blacksmiths, carpenters, and masons;
• cobblers, leatherworkers, and bakers.

Tools, gestures, and trades come back to life, restoring the atmosphere of the Iblean villages of the early twentieth century.

The flavors of Iblean tradition

Along the way, visitors can taste typical products prepared by the residents of Licodia: cheeses, olives, traditional sweets, local wine, and above all, the patacò, a preparation based on chickling vetch flour that is one of the symbols of the territory's peasant cuisine. It is precisely this gastronomic component that distinguishes the event from the many other living nativities in Sicily.

A holiday tradition

Organized by the Pro Loco Eubea, the event traditionally takes place between December and Epiphany, attracting visitors from across the Calatino district and the province of Catania. More than just a show, it is an opportunity to rediscover the identity of a small town in inland Sicily, amidst faith, memory, and conviviality.