Living Nativity - Bethlehem in Forza d'Agrò

The 2025 edition of the Living Nativity - Bethlehem in Forza d'Agrò took place during the Christmas holidays in the evocative Quartarello district, in the medieval historic center of the Messina municipality. As per tradition, the performances were concentrated in the period between late December and Epiphany.

The Associazione Orchidea transformed the alleys and stairways at the foot of the Norman castle into the Bethlehem of two thousand years ago, with about a hundred costumed actors engaged in recreating ancient trades — the blacksmith, the carpenter, the cobbler, the woodcutter — and scenes of daily life from the past. Along the way, visitors were able to taste freshly baked bread, local oranges and mandarins, walnuts, chestnuts, and local wine, accompanied by Christmas melodies. The event was included in the broader 'Christmas in the Village' program.

The performances of the 2025 edition were held in the Quartarello district during the Christmas period, according to the usual schedule between St. Stephen's Day and Epiphany. The route included:

• workshops of ancient trades (blacksmith, carpenter, cobbler, woodcutter);
• scenes of daily life with housewives and artisans in costume;
• the representation of the Nativity at the humble stable;
• the offering of local products along the way (bread, citrus fruits, dried fruits, local wine).

The most evocative moments: the arrival at the Nativity stable amidst lanterns and open fires, the artisan workshops in full swing, and the tasting of local products offered along the village alleys.