Living Nativity
The Nativity comes to life in the village alleys, at the foot of the Norman Castle
About Motta Living Nativity
The Living Nativity of Motta Sant'Anastasia
Every year, during the Christmas season, the historic center of Motta Sant'Anastasia, a small village in the Metropolitan City of Catania, transforms into a large open-air nativity scene. The Living Nativity stages the Nativity with dozens of actors in period costumes, recreating the atmosphere of Palestine from two thousand years ago among the town's streets and squares.
A journey through history and devotion
The performance winds along a picturesque route that starts from Via Immacolata, crosses Piazza Immacolata, and culminates in Via Regina Bianca, leading visitors to discover shepherds with their animals, artisans at work, Roman centurions, commoners, and finally the Three Wise Men and the Nativity scene. Along the way, ancient carols and the typical scents of Sicilian tradition create a unique sensory experience that engages both adults and children.
The setting of the Norman Donjon
The scenic heart of the event is the Donjon of Motta, the majestic Norman Castle built between 1070 and 1074 by order of Roger the Norman, which overlooks the Plain of Catania from above. During the evenings of the Living Nativity, the castle is exceptionally opened to the public to host an exhibition of artistic nativity scenes created by local citizens and associations, adding a touch of historical authenticity and natural beauty to the route.
A community celebration
The event is born from the collaboration between the Santa Maria del Rosario Parish (Mother Church), the Sant'Antonio di Padova Parish, the Municipality of Motta Sant'Anastasia, the Pro Loco, and the local districts. It is the village inhabitants themselves who play the roles of the characters and take care of every detail of the sets, making the Living Nativity an authentic moment of gathering and rediscovery of local traditions.
- Where: historic center of Motta Sant'Anastasia (CT), Sicily
- Route: Via Immacolata - Piazza Immacolata - Via Regina Bianca
- Setting: Donjon - Norman Castle (1070-1074)
- Admission: free
Motta Living Nativity — edition 2026
The 2025/2026 edition, the second of the event, animated the historic center of Motta Sant'Anastasia for five evenings between Christmas and Epiphany. The route, from Via Immacolata to Via Regina Bianca, passing through Piazza Immacolata, once again featured Nativity scenes with shepherds, artisans, Roman centurions, and the Three Wise Men.
Once again this year, the Norman Castle was exceptionally opened in the evening hours to host the exhibition of artistic nativity scenes created by citizens and associations. The event, with free admission, was organized by the Santa Maria del Rosario Parish together with the Municipality, the Pro Loco, and the local districts.
Programme Motta Living Nativity 2026
- December 26, 27, 28, 2025 - 5:00 PM-9:30 PM: performance along the route Via Immacolata - Piazza Immacolata - Via Regina Bianca
- January 5 and 6, 2026 - 5:00 PM-9:30 PM: Epiphany evenings with the arrival of the Three Wise Men
- Exhibition of artistic nativity scenes at the Donjon (Norman Castle) throughout all evenings
Highlights Motta Living Nativity 2026
- Nativity scenes animated by village actors
- Norman Castle setting (Donjon, 1070-1074)
- Exhibition of artistic nativity scenes created by the community
- Shepherds, artisans, Roman centurions, and Three Wise Men in period costumes
Prices Motta Living Nativity 2026
Practical information — Motta Living Nativity
How to get there
Motta Sant'Anastasia is located about 15 km from Catania, on the slopes of Mount Etna. By car, it can be reached from the A19 motorway (Motta Sant'Anastasia exit) or the SS192 road. The nearest train station is in Motta Sant'Anastasia on the Catania-Caltanissetta line; Catania-Fontanarossa airport is about 20 km away.
Hours and admission
The Living Nativity takes place in the evening, roughly from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Admission is free. Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking through the historic center's alleys are recommended.
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Where does it take place — Motta Living Nativity
Centro storico - Dongione (Castello Normanno)