Rivò Nativity Scene

A village that tells a story

In the heart of winter, the hamlet of Rivò—a tiny cluster of a few dozen inhabitants clinging to the mountains of the upper Valsessera valley in the municipality of Coggiola (Province of Biella, Piedmont)—transforms into one of the most surprising open-air nativity scenes in the region. This is not a traditional living nativity, but a life-sized display that takes over the entire village: over 150 figures, handcrafted by local volunteers, populate courtyards, hallways, staircases, and alleys, creating a journey through time that enchants both adults and children.

Scenes of traditional life

The figures, constructed from recycled materials and vintage clothing, recreate the trades and daily gestures of traditional mountain and farming life. As you walk through Rivò, you will encounter laundresses at the washhouse, weavers, farmers, street vendors, the postman, and shepherds. The scenes of yesteryear are all there: the old schoolhouse with the teacher and pupils, the church with the priest and the faithful, and, of course, the stable with the Nativity, the symbolic heart of the entire path. Every corner is meticulously detailed and tells a story.

A grassroots tradition

The Rivò Nativity Scene was born in 2017 from the idea of a local young man, William Pertegato, who brought to Coggiola and personalized an experience he had seen in the nearby town of Mosso. Since then, the event has grown year after year thanks to the volunteer work of the community, becoming a highly anticipated Christmas tradition in the Biella area and a small miracle of local participation for a hamlet with only about thirty residents.

An experience to be lived

The display remains open throughout the festive season, generally from December 8th to mid-January, with continuous hours and free admission. The route is outdoors and winds through the village streets: we recommend wearing warm clothing, as temperatures in the mountains can be quite cold. The visit is particularly atmospheric at dusk, when lights illuminate the scenes. During the opening period, the village also hosts special moments, such as the Christmas Eve night walk and traveling shows, making every visit a unique experience.