Il Bucaneve Nativity Scene Exhibition

A Christmas tradition spanning two decades

The Nativity Scene Exhibition curated by the Il Bucaneve association has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in Boves, a town in the province of Cuneo at the foot of the Piedmontese Alps. Established in the mid-2000s, the event has reached its twentieth edition and has established itself as a landmark for those wishing to soak up the most genuine Christmas atmosphere during the holidays. The event is organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Boves and the Ricetto Civic Library.

A mosaic of nativity scenes

The heart of the exhibition is a collection gathering over a hundred nativity scenes, the work of schools, children, private citizens, and local enthusiasts. What makes it truly special is the enormous variety of techniques, styles, and materials used: from classic terracotta nativity scenes to those made with recycled materials, from wooden compositions to more modern and imaginative interpretations. Every year, the creativity of the participants surprises visitors, offering an original look at one of the most deeply rooted symbols of Italian popular culture.

Part of the 'Presepi in Granda' itinerary

The Boves exhibition is a stop on the Presepi in Granda itinerary, the grand route that connects the main towns of the Cuneo province every winter, extending as far as the Turin area. It consists of about fifty displays—mechanical and traditional nativity scenes—set up by volunteers, enthusiasts, and master craftsmen, covering practically all the Cuneo valleys, from the Po Valley to the Vermenagna, and from the Monregalese to the Albese area. Including a visit to Boves in this itinerary means discovering a widespread heritage of devotion and folk art that characterizes the entire 'Granda' region.

More than just nativity scenes

In recent years, the event has been enriched with side initiatives designed to involve the entire community. Among these, the 'My Christmas is...' photo contest stands out, inviting adults and children alike to capture their own way of experiencing the holidays. The awards ceremony for the most beautiful nativity scenes and the most evocative photographs ideally concludes the event, in an atmosphere of celebration and participation that is the true spirit of the Boves event.

An event for families

Open on weekends and public holidays between December and Epiphany, with free admission, the exhibition is the ideal destination for a family Christmas outing. The setting of Boves, a town rich in history and immersed in the pre-Alpine landscape of the Cuneo area, adds charm to a visit that combines tradition, art, and the festive atmosphere.