Presepe Vivente di Cerreto di Spoleto
The medieval village of Valnerina transforms into a living nativity scene
About Presepe Vivente di Cerreto
The village that becomes Nativity
When Christmas arrives, the medieval village of Cerreto di Spoleto, perched above the Valnerina in the province of Perugia, transforms into a large living nativity scene. It is one of the most cherished traditions of the Christmas period in the area: alleys, stairways, and small squares of the historic center become the natural setting for the re-enactment of the Nativity.
A journey through the village alleys
Visitors follow a evocative itinerary that starts from Piazza Pontano and winds through the illuminated alleys to the ruins of the church of San Nicola, where the Nativity scene with Joseph, Mary, angels, and shepherds is set up. Along the way, the workshops of ancient crafts come to life â the blacksmith, the carpenter, the basket weaver, the shoemaker â while the music of the bagpipers accompanies the atmosphere.
The flavors and hospitality of Valnerina
Along the route, costumed figures offer visitors the typical products of the area: cheese, sausages, roasted chestnuts, fritters, warm bread, traditional sweets, and mulled wine. It is a way to discover, in addition to the religious re-enactment, the hospitality and gastronomy of this corner of Umbria.
When and where
The living nativity scene is usually held on three days during the Christmas period â December 26th, January 1st, and January 6th (Epiphany) â in the historic center of Cerreto di Spoleto. Admission is free.
Presepe Vivente di Cerreto â edition 2026
The Living Nativity of Cerreto di Spoleto is also expected for the 2026-2027 holidays, in the usual three-day format: December 26, 2026, January 1 & 6, 2027. The medieval village will once again transform into a living nativity scene, with the route from Piazza Pontano to the church of San Nicola, workshops of ancient crafts, tastings of typical Valnerina products, and the music of the bagpipers.
Official confirmation and times will be announced by the Municipality of Cerreto di Spoleto in the weeks before the holidays.
Programme Presepe Vivente di Cerreto 2026
Program coming soon. The usual structure includes, on each of the three days (December 26, January 1 & 6), the living nativity scene route from Piazza Pontano to the ruins of the church of San Nicola, with Nativity scenes, workshops of ancient crafts (blacksmith, carpenter, basket weaver, shoemaker), tastings offered by costumed figures (cheese, sausages, roasted chestnuts, fritters, warm bread, sweets, mulled wine), and bagpipe music.
The precise times for the 2026-2027 edition will be announced by the Municipality.
Prices Presepe Vivente di Cerreto 2026
Practical information — Presepe Vivente di Cerreto
How to get there
By car: SS3 Flaminia to Spoleto, then SS209 Valnerina; the village of Cerreto di Spoleto is located in the upper part, reachable from the valley road.
When
Three days during the Christmas period: December 26th, January 1st, and January 6th (Epiphany).
Tips
Warm clothing and comfortable shoes: the route winds through alleys and stairways outdoors in the middle of winter.
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Where does it take place â Presepe Vivente di Cerreto
Centro storico â da Piazza Pontano alla chiesa di San Nicola