Living Nativity and Christmas Markets in Cittaducale

Christmas in the village of Cittaducale

During the festive season, the town of Cittaducale, an elegant Anjou-founded village in the province of Rieti, in the heart of the Lazio Sabina region, dons its most evocative attire. The Christmas event weaves together two complementary spirits: the Christmas Markets, which enliven the historic center around Piazza del Popolo, and the Santa Rufina Living Nativity, which re-enacts the Nativity along the ancient castle streets in the homonymous hamlet. A dual appointment that, between December and Epiphany, attracts families, curious visitors, and fans of popular traditions.

The Santa Rufina Living Nativity

The spiritual heart of the event is the living nativity scene set up in the hamlet of Santa Rufina, in the Castello area, by the Associazione Presepe Vivente S. Rufina OdV with the patronage of the Municipality of Cittaducale. On the two days of December 26th and January 6th, the village transforms into a village of Palestine from two thousand years ago. The one-way pedestrian path starts from Piazza Santa Maria del Popolo and winds towards the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament, crossing via delle Scalette and via Castello.

• Costumed actors re-enacting ancient trades and the daily life of the past
• Sacred scenes culminating in the Nativity, the focal point of the entire route
• Animals safely placed along the path
• Refreshment points with tastings of local typical products

Christmas Markets in Piazza del Popolo

In the historic center of Cittaducale, the scenic Piazza del Popolo — dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Popolo and the Civic Tower — welcomes the stalls of the Christmas Markets. Light Christmas-themed music drifts through the village streets, while dancing light displays create a warm and festive atmosphere. Among the gastronomic offerings, the specialties of the Sabina tradition stand out, such as copeta and the famous terzetti sabinesi, crafted by local artisans. There is also an attraction dedicated to the little ones, making it the perfect day out for the whole family.

A village between history and tradition

Founded in 1309 by the will of Robert of Anjou, Cittaducale preserves a medieval urban layout of rare harmony, with its grid plan enclosed by walls. Christmas in Cittaducale is the ideal opportunity to discover this authentic corner of Lazio, where popular devotion and the warmth of hospitality blend into the festive atmosphere. The re-enactment of the living nativity, in particular, represents a strong identity moment for the Santa Rufina community, capable of involving dozens of volunteers and actors of all ages.

Why attend

Those who visit Cittaducale during the holidays experience a Christmas far from the shop windows and close to the roots: the scent of Sabina sweets, the sound of bells, the wonder of children in front of the Nativity hut. A simple and genuine experience, in the name of tradition and craftsmanship, which tells the truest soul of the Rieti Sabina.