'Let's Go to Bethlehem' Living Nativity

A living nativity in the heart of Franciscan Abruzzo

The 'Let's Go to Bethlehem' Living Nativity is one of the most cherished Christmas events in Orsogna, a small village in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo. The event takes place at the Santissima Annunziata Franciscan Convent in Contrada Ritiro, a place steeped in history and spirituality that, for one evening, becomes the stage for a re-enactment of the Nativity.

A journey of faith by torchlight

The event is not a simple static display, but a truly immersive experience. The evening begins with the gathering of the faithful in the church, followed by a suggestive torchlight procession, alternating moments of prayer with the staging of the Nativity. The actors, dressed in period costumes, bring scenes of daily life in Bethlehem to life, featuring ancient crafts, shepherds, and the Holy Family, in an atmosphere made even more intense by the winter darkness and the glow of the flames.

The Santissima Annunziata Convent

The heart of the event is the Santissima Annunziata Franciscan Convent, founded in 1448 by Saint John of Capistrano. Damaged during World War II, the complex has been carefully restored according to medieval criteria: it preserves a single-nave church with ribbed vaults, 16th-century frescoes, and an ancient pilgrim hospice connected by a cloister. The convent is part of the Annunziata territorial park, a green area that welcomes visitors all year round.

A deep-rooted nativity tradition

Orsogna's bond with the art of the nativity is profound: the convent houses a permanent nativity scene, and the village dedicates a cultural tradition to the theme, which is enriched with displays and exhibitions during the Christmas period. The living re-enactment thus fits into a context where Franciscan devotion and popular culture intertwine, making Orsogna a precious stop for those seeking the true spirit of Christmas in Abruzzo.

Faith, culture, and community

Organized with the invaluable collaboration of the friars of the Santissima Annunziata Convent, the 'Let's Go to Bethlehem' Living Nativity is an event that involves the entire Orsogna community. It is not just a show, but an occasion for reflection and sharing, capable of attracting families and visitors from neighboring towns in the province of Chieti and throughout Abruzzo.