Presepe al Borgo

An entire village transformed into a nativity scene

The Presepe al Borgo in Civitella Alfedena is one of the most enchanting Christmas traditions in inland Abruzzo. Every year, as winter arrives, the stone alleys of this small town in the Province of L'Aquila are populated by life-sized papier-mâché figures, creating a true "village within a village."

A journey through ancient crafts

Visitors wander through the narrow streets and small squares, immersing themselves in the daily life of a bygone era: the tavern, the market, the cobbler, and workshops of ancient trades. The papier-mâché statues, carefully restored and renewed with passion year after year, are accompanied by melodies and dialogues in the local dialect that capture the atmosphere of a mountain community from times past.

The Giudea and the Nativity

The path leads to the Nativity scene, the emotional heart of the entire display, located in the most characteristic corner of the village, known as "la Giudea." It is here that the nativity reaches its most intense moment, nestled among the stone houses huddled together in the quiet of the snowy landscape.

A tradition kept alive by local youth

The display has been created and maintained for over twenty-five years by the youth of Civitella Alfedena, organized under the Associazione Culturale Fiaccolata Onlus. The event, which reached its twenty-seventh edition in 2025, represents a strong symbol of identity and belonging for the community, attracting visitors from all over Abruzzo and beyond.

In the heart of the National Park

Civitella Alfedena is one of the most beautiful villages within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, famous for its pristine nature and the presence of the Apennine wolf and the chamois. Visiting the Presepe al Borgo means combining the magic of the Christmas atmosphere with the discovery of a fascinating mountain territory, among centuries-old beech forests and ancient stone villages.

The New Year's Eve torchlight procession

The event is accompanied during the same period by the evocative New Year's Eve torchlight procession, a traditional parade with torches that illuminates the village during the holiday evenings, typically held on December 30th in Piazza Santa Lucia.