The Nativity comes to life in the alleys of the ancient village
Every year, in the heart of winter, the historic center of Furci returns to serve as a natural backdrop for the Nativity with its Living Nativity. The small town, perched on two hills in the hilly hinterland of the Province of Chieti, in Abruzzo, just a few kilometers from the Sinello river and the Adriatic coast, offers an exceptional setting: cobblestone alleys, stairways, stone houses, and the medieval tower become the perfect stage to re-enact the birth of Jesus.
The event unfolds as an itinerant path through the ancient village. Visitors walk through various scenes where traditional nativity characters come to life—the Holy Family, shepherds, the Three Wise Men, angels—alongside depictions of the village's ancient crafts: the blacksmith, the carpenter, the spinner, the baker, and farmers busy with traditional tasks. It is a production that successfully blends biblical tradition with local heritage, offering a glimpse of an Abruzzese village from days gone by.
The Furci Living Nativity is above all a shared celebration: various generations of residents, from the youngest to the elderly, participate in its creation, wearing period costumes and animating the scenes every year. This strong community bond is what makes the event authentic and heartfelt, capable of attracting visitors from Furci and the neighboring towns of the Vasto area.
Located at an altitude of about 550 meters, the village of Furci preserves a medieval layout with its tower and a strong devotion to Blessed Angelo of Furci. Surrounded by greenery and olive groves that characterize local olive oil production, the town offers visitors the chance to discover the most authentic soul of inland Abruzzo within the frame of the nativity scene.
The Living Nativity is traditionally held during the period between the Christmas holidays and the Epiphany. Entry to the route, which winds through the streets of the historic center, is free and suitable for the whole family.
The 2026 edition of the Furci Living Nativity confirmed the event's place in the Christmas and Epiphany calendar. In the first days of January, the historic center of the village, in the Province of Chieti, came alive with Nativity scenes and the re-enactment of ancient crafts, involving residents of all ages. The path through the alleys and stone houses offered visitors an immersion into the Abruzzese nativity tradition, featuring the Holy Family, shepherds, the Three Wise Men, and traditional trades.
Furci is located in the hinterland of the Province of Chieti, about 30 km from the Adriatic coast. By car, take the A14 motorway, exit at Vasto Sud, and continue inland along the Sinello valley. The nearest railway station is Vasto-San Salvo, on the Adriatic line, from which you can reach Furci by car.
The Living Nativity route takes place along the streets of the historic center. Admission is generally free. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended to navigate the village's alleys and stairways.
The event is held during the Christmas and Epiphany season (between late December and early January). For specific dates, it is advisable to check the channels of the Municipality of Furci and the local press.
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Centro storico di Furci