Oro Incenso Mirra – Nativity Scenes in the Monferrato
A widespread Christmas celebration among the artistic nativity scenes of Aramengo, in the heart of the Lower Asti Monferrato
About Oro Incenso Mirra
A widespread Christmas across the villages of Monferrato
In Aramengo, a village of just over five hundred inhabitants nestled in the hills of the Province of Asti, in Piedmont, Christmas takes the form of a nativity scene trail. The town is one of the historic stops of Oro Incenso Mirra – Nativity Scenes in the Monferrato, the Christmas itinerary that connects eight villages in the Lower Asti Monferrato every year in a single "choral tale" centered on the Nativity. The initiative, promoted by the Oro Incenso Mirra Association with the support of the Cassa di Risparmio di Asti Foundation, the BMA Basso Monferrato Astigiano Ecomuseum, and the Banca di Asti, invites you to rediscover the wonder of the season through a slow walk among landscapes, churches, and courtyards.
The artistic nativity scenes of Aramengo
The heart of the Aramengo display is in Piazza del Municipio, where a large illuminated tree accompanies the artistic nativity scenes created by the artist Gianluigi Nicola of the Nicola Restauri Laboratory: hand-carved and painted figures, the result of ancient craftsmanship. A second nativity scene is located in the hamlet of Marmorito Santa Maria, at the Trattoria dei Cacciatori, along an itinerary that deserves to be explored at a leisurely pace to capture every detail.
The "In the Light of the Star" competition
Aramengo also hosts the "Alla luce della Stella" nativity scene competition, which is open to everyone and voted on directly by visitors. The competing works are exhibited in the Town Hall and showcase the creativity of families, associations, and local enthusiasts. It is an opportunity to discover original interpretations of the Christmas theme, from traditional compositions to the most imaginative solutions.
Why it's worth visiting
Oro Incenso Mirra is not just an exhibition, but a widespread experience that combines art, popular faith, and hilly landscapes. Visiting the nativity scenes of Aramengo means entering an authentic Monferrato, made of small villages, ancient gestures, and hospitality: on holidays, the Pro Loco enlivens the square with a bar service, perfect for a break between one stop and another. A free event that, in the middle of winter, offers the slow and silent charm of the Christmas of yesteryear.
Oro Incenso Mirra — edition 2026
The tenth edition of Oro Incenso Mirra – Nativity Scenes in the Monferrato celebrated an important milestone, the tenth anniversary of the Christmas itinerary of the Lower Asti Monferrato. From December 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026, eight municipalities joined the event: Aramengo, Castagnole delle Lanze, Castagnole Monferrato, Castell'Alfero, Cocconato, Frinco, Monale, and San Damiano d'Asti.
In Aramengo, the display was concentrated in Piazza del Municipio, with artistic nativity scenes hand-carved and painted by Gianluigi Nicola, and in the hamlet of Marmorito Santa Maria. The "Alla luce della Stella" competition, now in its third edition, saw visitors voting for the competing nativity scenes.
Programme Oro Incenso Mirra 2026
Aramengo
- Artistic nativity scenes by Gianluigi Nicola in Piazza del Municipio, with a large illuminated tree
- Second nativity scene in the hamlet of Marmorito Santa Maria (Trattoria dei Cacciatori)
- "Alla luce della Stella" competition (third edition), voted on by visitors, in the town hall
Hours
- Open-air exhibition: every day, 24 hours a day
- Competition: weekdays during municipal office hours; holidays 3:30 PM–6:00 PM (excluding December 25, January 1 and 6)
Widespread events in the Monferrato villages
- December 27 — workshops in Cocconato (3:30 PM)
- December 28 — cooking workshop in Castagnole Monferrato (3:00 PM)
- January 6 — highlight of the festival: treasure hunt, Befana walks, and competitions in the various municipalities
Highlights Oro Incenso Mirra 2026
Prices Oro Incenso Mirra 2026
Practical information — Oro Incenso Mirra
Where
Aramengo (AT), Piedmont. Main displays in Piazza del Municipio and in the hamlet of Marmorito Santa Maria (at the Trattoria dei Cacciatori).
Visiting hours
The open-air nativity scene exhibition can be visited every day, 24 hours a day. The "Alla luce della Stella" competition, set up in the town hall, can be visited on weekdays during municipal office hours and on holidays from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (excluding December 25th, January 1st, and January 6th).
Admission
All visits are free, unless otherwise indicated.
Services
On holidays, a bar service is provided by the Pro Loco in Piazza del Municipio and at the Trattoria in Marmorito Santa Maria.
How to get there
Aramengo can be reached by car from the main routes of the Lower Asti Monferrato. The village is part of the itinerary that connects seven other participating municipalities (Castagnole delle Lanze, Castagnole Monferrato, Castell'Alfero, Cocconato, Frinco, Monale, and San Damiano d'Asti).
Information
Tel. +39 349 1777646 — Oro Incenso Mirra Association.
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Where does it take place — Oro Incenso Mirra
Piazza del Municipio e frazione Marmorito Santa Maria
Piazza del Municipio, 14020 Aramengo