Presepe d'InCanto

A Nativity scene that fuses tradition and innovation

Presepe d'InCanto is one of the most original Christmas experiences in Sicily. Hosted in Petralia Soprana—a village in the province of Palermo and one of the most beautiful in Italy—this event is not a traditional nativity scene but an immersive art installation that narrates the Nativity using video mapping, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. Images and animations are projected onto three-dimensional surfaces, creating depth and movement that transform the space into a powerful, emotionally resonant visual narrative.

History and origins

Presepe d'InCanto was born in 2008 from the vision of Leonardo Bruno and Father Calogero La Placa. Over the years, it has become a staple for both locals and tourists, serving as a landmark event for Christmas in the Madonie. The project is curated by the associations CAPS - Cittadinanza Attiva Petralia Soprana and MAD ART, which introduce a new theme and staging every year.

Art, sculpture, and storytelling

The experience weaves together contemporary art, spirituality, and technology. The sculptures draw inspiration from the Sicilian Serpotta tradition, while the set design, photography, text, and narration guide visitors through a meditative journey. The creative team includes artistic director and video artist Leonardo Bruno, sculptor Pier Luca Trapani, set designer Santino Alleri, photographer and graphic designer Damiano Macaluso, and narrator Santi Cicardo.

The current edition

The most recent, 17th edition, explored the theme of innocent suffering caused by war, inviting the public to slow down and listen. The nativity scene thus became a space for collective meditation on the value of peace, where silence and light serve as a language. The mapped projections and digital tools are used here to serve the local community and foster reflection, confirming the project's commitment to combining innovation with spiritual depth.

An experience in the Madonie village

Visiting Presepe d'InCanto is also an opportunity to discover Petralia Soprana, one of Sicily's most charming medieval villages, with its stone alleys, Baroque churches, and panoramic views of the Madonie. During the holidays, the village comes alive with the "Christmas in Petralia Soprana" program, featuring concerts, theater performances, children's workshops, wandering bagpipers, and Epiphany celebrations, making it a complete immersion into Sicilian Christmas traditions.