Living Nativity of Capriati a Volturno

The return of the Living Nativity in Capriati a Volturno

After a long silence lasting about twenty-five years, the Living Nativity of Capriati a Volturno has returned to bring the village streets to life. The event, which began at the turn of the millennium and was interrupted for a generation, has been revived in a new edition by the Santa Maria delle Grazie parish community, led by Father Girolamo Dello Iacono. The result is a collective performance that involves the entire town, restoring one of their most cherished traditions to the people of Capriati.

A journey through the Nativity and ancient crafts

The heart of the event is the reconstruction of the Nativity in the historic center, set among the alleys, stone portals, and courtyards of the old town. Over 120 performers bring to life the scenes of daily life from the past: the baker, the blacksmith, the spinner, the shepherds, and the many workshops that tell the story of the ancient crafts of the rural civilization. Every corner becomes a living painting, with lights, fires, and scents accompanying the visitor along a walking path leading to the hut with the Holy Family.

A tradition that unites the community

More than just a show, the Living Nativity of Capriati is a community project. Its creation involves families, young people, and parish volunteers, with the support of the Municipality of Capriati a Volturno and local merchants. Costumes, scenery, and installations are the result of the shared work of the entire village, in an atmosphere of participation that makes every edition a moment of collective celebration.

Capriati a Volturno, a village in the Alto Casertano

Located in the province of Caserta, on the border with Molise and overlooking the upper Volturno valley, Capriati a Volturno is a small Campania town of just over a thousand inhabitants. Its compact and quiet historic center offers the ideal setting for a living nativity: the stone, narrow alleys, and the intimate atmosphere of the village amplify the charm of the performance, especially in the evening hours.

When it takes place

The event is held during the Christmas season, in the days leading up to Epiphany, when the calendar of festivals in Campania is filled with living nativity scenes. The performances take place in the historic center and in Piazza Roma, creating a walk through history and faith that engages both adults and children.