Nasari Living Nativity (Cunsaria)

A journey through time in the heart of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto

The Nasari Living Nativity is one of the most evocative Christmas representations in the Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto area, in the province of Messina. Established in 2023, the event is set in the historic Cunsaria village, one of the most characteristic and charming corners of the town, located in the Nasari district, which dates back to the Norman era.

The setting: the Cunsaria village

The very name of the village recalls its ancient vocation: for centuries, and until 1995, this area was home to leather tanneries (known as cunsaria in the local dialect), a craft that shaped the economic and social history of this part of Sicily. The narrow alleys and steep streets of the district offer an authentic, natural backdrop, perfect for recreating a village from two thousand years ago without the need for artificial sets.

The route and thematic areas

The nativity scene is structured as an itinerary divided into several thematic zones that take the visitor on an authentic journey through time:

• The zone of darkness, dedicated to leisure and worldly life;
• The zone of crafts and art, where ancient trades come to life (the tavern, the school, the shepherds, the embroiderers, the women at the loom);
• The village zone, depicting the daily life of the community;
• The zone of peace and light, where the stable with the Nativity is located.

Along the route, there is background music, tastings of traditional Sicilian dishes, and the presence of live animals, which enrich the experience. Some scenes are also enhanced by artifacts from the "Nello Cassata" Ethnohistorical Museum.

A community event

The initiative is organized by the Santa Maria e San Rocco Parish of Nasari, with the patronage of the Municipality of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, and involves numerous performers of all ages and many local volunteers. With each edition, the nativity scene has captured an ever-growing audience, becoming a highly anticipated event in the Christmas calendar of north-eastern Sicily.