Postua Nativity Scenes

Postua Nativity Scenes: A village that becomes a nativity

In the heart of the upper Val Sessera, in the province of Vercelli, the municipality of Postua preserves one of the most evocative Christmas traditions in Piedmont. For over a month, from December 8th to January 6th, the entire village dresses up for the holidays and transforms into a large, widespread nativity scene: residents set up nativity displays and traditional folk scenes in the most charming spots of the village—on windows, in gardens, by fountains, along streams, in old barns, in doorways, and in the most hidden and picturesque corners of every hamlet.

A tradition born in 1984

The event was founded in 1984 on the initiative of Giampietro Baldracchi and, year after year, it has grown in both the number of visitors and the number of participating nativity scenes, now exceeding two hundred installations distributed between the historic center and hamlets such as Roncole, Barinciano, and Bornello. Today, it is organized by the Municipality of Postua together with the 'Amici dei Presepi di Postua' Association, which opens the exhibition every year with an aperitif at the village's ancient oven.

What to see

• Over 200 outdoor nativity scenes scattered throughout the historic center and hamlets
• Displays created with simple materials rooted in mountain and farming culture
• The traditional blessing of the nativity donkeys at the parish church
• The Christmas market featuring typical gastronomic products and local crafts
• Christmas workshops for children and refreshment points during the holidays

An experience in the Valsesia Christmas

Strolling through the alleys of Postua during the holidays means rediscovering the authentic atmosphere of a mountain Christmas: the charm of the village, the artisanal care of the displays, and the warmth of a community that has been showcasing its identity for decades. The exhibition also represents an excellent opportunity to visit Postua and the upper Val Sessera, amidst nature, folk traditions, and the gastronomy of the Vercelli area.