Presepe Vivente di Giove
Edition 2026 Sacred music Heritage Folk traditions

Presepe Vivente di Giove

The medieval village becomes a small Bethlehem with torches, fires, and over 100 participants

Giove — Terni (055) Since 2022
Dates 26 Dec — 28 Dec 2026
Location Giove (055)
Prices Free
Status —

About Presepe Vivente di Giove

During the Christmas period, the ancient village of Giove, in the province of Terni, transforms into a small Bethlehem. The Living Nativity Scene unfolds along a route of about one kilometer with over 50 scenes and more than 100 characters: residents dress up as artisans, Roman soldiers, merchants, and shepherds, recreating crafts and scenes of life from the era. With the lights off, the path is illuminated by torches and fires, while donkeys, horses, and sheep are encountered along the way. A choral event, with free admission, that involves the entire community.

A Bethlehem in the alleys of Giove

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.

Crafts, scenes of life, and animals

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.

A community event

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.

Presepe Vivente di Giove — edition 2026

The Living Nativity Scene of Giove will return during the Christmas period of 2026, reprising the approximately one-kilometer route with over 50 scenes and 100 participants through the village alleys illuminated by torches and fires. The precise dates in December 2026 have not yet been officially announced by the organizers.

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.

Programme Presepe Vivente di Giove 2026

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.

Highlights Presepe Vivente di Giove 2026

Route of approximately 1 km; over 50 scenes and 100 participants; setting illuminated by torches and fires; animals along the route.

Prices Presepe Vivente di Giove 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Presepe Vivente di Giove

How to get there

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.

Admission

Free.

Tips

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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Where does it take place — Presepe Vivente di Giove

Centro storico di Giove

Largo Buonarroti, 05024 Giove

Contact Presepe Vivente di Giove

Tel
+39 320 2190363

Presepe Vivente di Giove in brief

Sacred music Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Spirituality Family Children Outdoor Night Terni

History of Presepe Vivente di Giove