Living Nativity at the Sanctuary of Beato Giacomo
The nativity comes to life within the walls of the Franciscan convent in Bitetto
About Bitetto Living Nativity
The Bitetto Living Nativity
The Living Nativity at the Sanctuary of Beato Giacomo is one of the most deeply rooted Christmas traditions in the Metropolitan City of Bari and all of Puglia. The event takes place at the Sanctuary of Beato Giacomo in Bitetto, a place of faith and history that houses the remains of Beato Giacomo Illirico, the 15th-century Franciscan friar revered by the local community. For over forty years, the Franciscan Friars Minor have transformed the spaces of the ancient convent into a grand, living narrative of the nativity.
A journey through faith, history, and tradition
The exhibition is structured around two themes that coexist along the route. The first is dedicated to ancient crafts and the popular life of the past, with performers reenacting the daily tasks of farmers, artisans, and housewives, surrounded by local artifacts dating from the 19th to the early 20th century. The second theme is set in the 15th century, featuring Beato Giacomo and the Holy Family in period costumes, creating a suggestive dialogue between the convent's history and the mystery of Christmas.
The Procession of the Three Wise Men
The most anticipated moment is Epiphany, January 6th, when the Three Wise Men, dressed in sumptuous Renaissance robes and riding horses, arrive from afar along the country roads. Welcomed by the townspeople, the Magi reach the convent to pay homage to the Child, concluding the nativity story before a large audience of families and visitors.
Santa's Village
In recent years, the Santa's Village has been added to the nativity route, featuring Santa's house and a Christmas market where visitors can discover handicrafts, typical Apulian products, and the festive atmosphere of traditional lights and music. Alongside the live performances, there is also an exhibition of nativity art, showcasing artistic cribs and reproductions of the nativity scene.
An event for the whole community
Organized by the Franciscan community with the help of numerous local volunteers and performers, the Bitetto Living Nativity is an event deeply felt by the population, drawing visitors from across the province of Bari and all of Puglia. It is an appointment that unites the spiritual dimension of Christmas with the rediscovery of the farming and artisan roots of the Bitetto and Apulian community.
Bitetto Living Nativity — edition 2026
Living Nativity 2025-2026: forty years of tradition
The 2025-2026 edition marked the 40th edition of the Living Nativity at the Sanctuary of Beato Giacomo in Bitetto, an anniversary highlighted by the local press as a symbol of the continuity of a Christmas tradition beloved throughout the province of Bari. Organized by the Franciscan Friars Minor, the nativity scene animated the spaces of the ancient convent from Christmas Eve until Epiphany.
Along the route, visitors rediscovered scenes of ancient crafts and the popular life of the past, alongside the 15th-century Renaissance setting with Beato Giacomo and the Holy Family in period costumes. There was also the Santa's Village, with Santa's house and the market, as well as the exhibition of nativity art.
As per tradition, the culminating moment arrived on January 6, 2026, with the procession of the Three Wise Men on horseback, welcomed by the citizens and led to the nativity grotto to pay homage to the Child.
Programme Bitetto Living Nativity 2026
Opening on Christmas Eve, with inauguration at midnight on December 24, 2025, and evening visits on holidays between Christmas and Epiphany. Living nativity route with scenes of ancient crafts and Renaissance setting; Santa's Village with Christmas market; nativity art exhibition. On January 6, 2026, procession and arrival of the Three Wise Men on horseback with a final nativity representation.
Highlights Bitetto Living Nativity 2026
- 40th edition: forty years of living nativity at Beato Giacomo
- Procession of the Three Wise Men on horseback on January 6, 2026
- Renaissance setting with Beato Giacomo and the Holy Family
- Santa's Village and Christmas market
- Nativity art exhibition
Prices Bitetto Living Nativity 2026
Practical information — Bitetto Living Nativity
Location
Sanctuary of Beato Giacomo, Bitetto (BA), Puglia. The sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the town of Bitetto, in the Metropolitan City of Bari.
When
The nativity scene traditionally opens on Christmas Eve, with an inauguration at midnight on December 24th, and remains open on select days between Christmas and Epiphany (generally December 25th and 26th and the first days of January, up to January 6th). Opening hours are typically in the evening, roughly from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Admission
Admission to the living nativity is free. For updated dates and times, it is recommended to check the official channels of the Sanctuary of Beato Giacomo.
How to get there
Bitetto can be reached by car via the SS96 and the SP road for Palo del Colle and Modugno; it is also served by the Ferrovie del Nord Barese railway station. On event days, it is recommended to arrive early to find parking.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Bitetto Living Nativity
Convento Santuario del Beato Giacomo