Natale Insieme

Christmas in the village of the Erei

When December arrives, Assoro transforms. The small medieval village in the province of Enna, perched on Monte Stella at an altitude of about 850 meters in the heart of the Erei Mountains, dons its festive lights and becomes the stage for Natale Insieme, the Christmas event that enlivens the historic center for over a month, from early December until Epiphany.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Assoro together with the parish and local associations, and is the result of a collective effort involving the entire community. It is not just a simple calendar of appointments: it is the way a town of a few thousand inhabitants chooses to experience Christmas together, opening its squares and alleys to residents and visitors.

Lights, markets, and a Lapland village

The heart of the festival is the lighting of the grand Christmas tree, ten meters tall, which officially kicks off the celebrations. From that moment on, the village glows with lights and hosts a series of initiatives spread throughout the streets and squares of the historic center:

• craft markets, featuring handmade creations by hobbyists and local producers;
• the Lapland-style village, set up with snow cannons, Santa's house, and Nordic atmospheres;
• the Christmas train that travels through the historic center, mascots, and giant inflatable Santa Clauses;
• food and wine trails with tastings of typical products, from the arancino evening to tastings of nougat and cheeses;
• creative workshops and shows for children, including juggling, street bands, and Christmas showcooking.

The celebrations continue until January 6th, with the arrival of the Befana, which ideally closes the festivities according to Sicilian tradition.

A village to discover in winter

Experiencing Natale Insieme is also an opportunity to discover Assoro, one of the most evocative medieval villages in the province of Enna. The town preserves an ancient urban layout and houses the Basilica of San Leone, founded in the 12th century, an authentic jewel of the Erei heritage. Walking through the illuminated alleys, with the cold of the plateau and the scent of Christmas sweets, is an experience that tells the story of inland Sicily in its most authentic and communal dimension.