I Presepi nel Presepe
The nativity village of Pesche comes alive with Nativity scenes
About I Presepi nel Presepe
A Nativity scene within the Nativity scene
The village of Pesche, in the province of Isernia, has a shape that seems tailor-made for Christmas: its white houses, clinging to the mountainside, form the silhouette of a large natural nativity scene from afar. For over twenty years, the community has used this extraordinary setting to bring I Presepi nel Presepe to life, a widespread exhibition that fills the historic center with Nativity scenes.
Through the village alleys
Along the streets and in the niches of the village, dozens of handcrafted Nativity scenes are set up, creating an open-air trail to be explored while strolling through the alleys. The event includes a national competition for Nativity scene art, aimed at master craftsmen and enthusiasts from various categories, and a national poetry prize open to schools and poets, focusing on themes of peace and brotherhood among peoples. There is also a living Nativity scene and, in recent editions, the surprising 'Presepe 4.0', with virtual scenes generated by artificial intelligence and viewable via QR code on smartphones.
Christmas in Molise
Organized by the Municipality of Pesche together with local associations—including I Presepi nel Presepe, Festa nel Borgo, and La Libreria del Molise—the exhibition runs from the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) to Epiphany (January 6th), accompanied by Christmas music and the flavors of local cuisine. It is an event that enhances the cultural and tourist heritage of Molise and attracts visitors from all over the region and beyond.
I Presepi nel Presepe — edition 2026
For Christmas 2026, the village of Pesche renews its appointment with 'I Presepi nel Presepe'. Along the alleys and in the niches of the historic center, handcrafted Nativity scenes return, while the event offers the national competition for Nativity scene art, the national poetry prize, the living Nativity scene, and the 'Presepe 4.0' installations with virtual scenes generated by artificial intelligence. The exhibition is open from the Immaculate Conception to Epiphany.
Programme I Presepi nel Presepe 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Municipality of Pesche and the organizing associations in the weeks preceding Christmas. The established structure of the event includes:
- Widespread exhibition of handcrafted Nativity scenes in the village alleys
- National competition for Nativity scene art for masters and enthusiasts
- National poetry prize on the themes of peace and brotherhood among peoples
- Living Nativity scene in the historic center
- 'Presepe 4.0' — virtual scenes generated with artificial intelligence, viewable via QR code
- Christmas music and local cuisine tastings
Highlights I Presepi nel Presepe 2026
Prices I Presepi nel Presepe 2026
Practical information — I Presepi nel Presepe
How to get there
Pesche is a few kilometers from Isernia and is reachable by car from the SS17. The nearest train station is Isernia. The village is on a slope and is visited on foot: it is advisable to park near the entrance of the village and wear comfortable shoes.
When
The exhibition can be visited during the Christmas period, generally from December 8th (or Santa Lucia's Day, December 13th) until Epiphany (January 6th). For the detailed program and edition dates, it is advisable to consult the Municipality of Pesche.
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Where does it take place — I Presepi nel Presepe
Centro storico di Pesche