The medieval village becomes a small Bethlehem with torches, fires, and over 100 participants
Every December, the historic center of Giove, a small municipality in the province of Terni overlooking the Tiber valley, hosts the Presepe Vivente (Living Nativity Scene), a re-enactment of the Nativity that involves the entire town. The route, about one kilometer long, winds through the streets, alleys, and squares of the medieval village and features over 50 scenes and more than 100 characters.
Residents transform into artisans, Roman soldiers, merchants, and shepherds, recreating workshops, ancient crafts, and moments of daily life from the era. The experience is made immersive by the decision to turn off the town's lights: the path is lit only by torches, braziers, and fires. Along the route, various animals – donkeys, horses, and sheep – are also encountered, completing the setting.
Costumes and props are largely made from recycled materials thanks to the participation of volunteers. The event, organized with the involvement of the Municipality of Giove, is free to enter and represents one of the most cherished Christmas events in the Terni area.
For Christmas 2026, the Giove Living Nativity Scene Group will again present the re-enactment of the Nativity that transforms the village into a small Bethlehem each year. The route, about one kilometer long, will traverse the streets, alleys, and squares of the historic center with over 50 scenes and more than 100 characters: artisans, Roman soldiers, merchants, and shepherds. With the lights off, the path will be illuminated by torches and fires, with donkeys, horses, and sheep along the way.
The precise dates and times for the 2026 edition have not yet been published. Based on previous editions, the event takes place over two days during the Christmas period (typically around December 26th and 28th), with visitors starting from 5:00 PM from Largo Buonarroti. The final program will be announced by the Giove Living Nativity Scene Group.
Detailed program coming soon.
Giove is reachable by car from the Attigliano exit of the A1 Milan-Naples motorway. By train: Attigliano-Bomarzo station on the Rome-Florence line. The route starts from Largo Buonarroti.
Free.
Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing: the route takes place entirely outdoors, through stone streets and alleys. For information: [email protected].
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Centro storico di Giove
Largo Buonarroti, 05024 Giove