Presepe Vivente di San Polo Matese

The Nativity that lives again on the Matese

Perched at about 750 metres on the slopes of the Matese massif, in the province of Campobasso, the medieval village of San Polo Matese preserves one of Molise's most beautiful Christmas traditions. In the days after Christmas, the historic centre transforms into a grand Living Nativity scene: a evocative itinerary through sacred scenes, carefully crafted settings, and traditional music that re-enacts the birth of Jesus.

Over forty years of history

Founded in 1982, the Living Nativity of San Polo Matese is among the longest-running in Molise. Every year, it involves over 130 participants who bring to life a vivid representation of the Nativity and the village's ancient crafts. The initiative is organised by the Cultural Association Living Nativity San Polo Matese, under the patronage of the Municipality, the Molise Region, the Parish of San Pietro in Vincoli, and with the participation of the Matese bagpipers.

The village of the bagpipe

San Polo Matese is one of the main Italian centres for the construction and tradition of the bagpipe (zampogna), along with Scapoli and Castelnuovo al Volturno. It is no coincidence that the nativity scene is accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, whose music makes the atmosphere even more magical. Visiting the nativity scene means immersing yourself in the heart of a living tradition, in a mountain village that at Christmas lights up with lights, sounds, and ancient scenes of rural life.