Living Nativity of Pereto
The itinerant re-enactment of the Nativity in the medieval village of Marsica
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Living Nativity of Pereto
One of the oldest living nativities in Abruzzo
The Living Nativity of Pereto is one of the most beloved and historic Nativity re-enactments in Abruzzo. Established in 1971, it takes place every year on December 26th in the heart of the medieval village of Pereto, a small town in the Marsica area of the province of L'Aquila. Perched at the foot of Mount Fontecellese, on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio and overlooking the Piana del Cavaliere, its stone streets and medieval castle provide a natural backdrop that requires no artificial scenery.
A thousand-meter itinerant path
What makes this nativity unique is its itinerant and theatrical nature: spectators do not simply stand and watch; they walk along a path of about one kilometer that winds through the village, entering a story told through ancient gestures and daily chores. Around one hundred performers animate workshops, traditional trades, and scenes of popular life, leading to the climactic moment of the birth of the Baby Jesus in the wooden manger. It is a community experience where the entire village becomes a living, shared memory.
Franciscan roots and the text by Don Enrico Penna
The Living Nativity of Pereto carries a distinct Franciscan imprint, following the tradition started by Saint Francis in Greccio. The recited text, which has remained unchanged for over fifty years, was written for the first edition by Don Enrico Penna, who imbued the performance with its simple and spiritual character. With each edition, the community of Pereto has passed down this memory, making it a defining event for the entire Marsica territory.
A Pro Loco event
The event is organized by the Pro Loco Pereto "Manolo Iacuitti", involving dozens of volunteers and local families. The Living Nativity is the most anticipated moment of the Christmas season in Pereto, attracting visitors from across Marsica, the Piana del Cavaliere, and nearby Lazio, drawing those who seek an authentic Christmas, away from the spotlight, in the evocative silence of an Abruzzo village.
Living Nativity of Pereto — edition 2026
The official calendar for the 2026 edition of the Living Nativity of Pereto has not yet been released. In continuity with the tradition started in 1971, the Nativity re-enactment is expected to return to animate the alleys of the medieval village in the province of L'Aquila during the Christmas season. To find out dates, times, and details, please follow the official channels of the Pro Loco.
Prices Living Nativity of Pereto 2026
Practical information — Living Nativity of Pereto
Location
The Living Nativity winds through the streets of the medieval village of Pereto (AQ), in Abruzzo, at the foot of Mount Fontecellese, near the border with Lazio.
How to get there
Pereto is accessible via the A24/A25 motorway (Carsoli-Oricola exit) and is located along the historic Tiburtina Valeria road. It is recommended to park near the village and continue on foot along the itinerant path.
Tips
The visit follows a walking route of about one kilometer in the historic center: we recommend wearing clothing and footwear suitable for the winter season and the village's stone alleys. For updated dates, times, and details, please check the social media channels of the Pro Loco Pereto.
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Where does it take place — Living Nativity of Pereto
Borgo medievale di Pereto