The Bible in the Park – Living Nativity
Edition 2026 Heritage History Folk traditions

The Bible in the Park – Living Nativity

Valderice's living nativity scene that tells the entire Holy Scripture through living tableaux

Valderice — Trapani (081) Since 1997
Dates 26 Dec — 28 Dec 2026
Location Valderice (081)
Prices Free
Status

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About The Bible in the Park

The Bible in the Park is the living nativity of Valderice, in the province of Trapani, which transforms the Parco Urbano di Misericordia into a vast, open-air book every Christmas season. More than just a traditional Nativity scene, it is a journey through the entire history of salvation: over fifty costumed actors bring to life nine living tableaux, ranging from the creation of man to the redemption brought by Christ. A evocative and meditative event, with free admission, organized by the Associazione Pro Misericordia Valderice.

A living nativity that tells the whole Bible

The Bible in the Park is one of the most original Christmas performances in Western Sicily. Unlike traditional living nativity scenes that focus solely on the Nativity, this event in Valderice, in the heart of the Trapani province, stages the entire Holy Scripture: a narrative path that traverses the most significant moments of the Old and New Testaments, from the creation of man to redemption.

Nine living tableaux in the Parco Urbano di Misericordia

The evocative Parco Urbano di Misericordia, a symbolic place for the local community, transforms into a sacred and timeless setting. Along the path, over fifty actors in period costumes bring nine living tableaux to life—static scenes that invite visitors to pause before each display for a slow, meditative experience. The choice of static scenes, rather than a moving procession, enhances the sense of reflection and allows visitors to appreciate every detail of the costumes and settings.

A different theme every year

Each edition is built around a central theme. In the 2025 edition, the chosen theme was Humanity, understood as the thread running through the entire history of salvation. This thematic approach makes every year unique and enriches an event that the community has been hosting uninterruptedly for over twenty-five years.

Tradition, spirituality, and taste

The event combines the natural beauty of the park, the spiritual dimension of the biblical narrative, and the theatrical art of the performers. To complete the experience, visitors are offered a tasting of sfincie, the traditional Sicilian Christmas pastries, along the route. The event is organized by the Associazione Pro Misericordia Valderice, in some editions with the collaboration of the Unione Maestranze, a historic institution that also manages the Passion procession during Holy Week, and is supported by the Municipality of Valderice and the Sicilian Regional Assembly.

A staple of the Trapani Christmas

Included in the Christmas calendar of the Municipality of Valderice and the entire Trapani area, The Bible in the Park has become a reference point over the years for families, the faithful, and visitors who wish to experience Christmas in a traditional and spiritual way, in a charming corner of Sicily.

The Bible in the Park — edition 2026

The dates for the 2026 edition of The Bible in the Park have not yet been officially announced. Historically, the living nativity of Valderice takes place during the Christmas holidays, between late December and early January, at the Parco Urbano di Misericordia. We are awaiting confirmation from the Associazione Pro Misericordia Valderice regarding the dates, times, and theme of the upcoming edition.

The 2026 edition of The Bible in the Park does not yet have an official program. Based on previous editions, the living nativity of Valderice is held during the Christmas period at the Parco Urbano di Misericordia, featuring nine living tableaux and over fifty actors telling the entire Bible. The dates, times, and theme of the new edition will be announced by the Associazione Pro Misericordia Valderice in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Prices The Bible in the Park 2026

Free admission (as in previous editions, to be confirmed for 2026).

Practical information — The Bible in the Park

Location

Parco Urbano di Misericordia, Valderice (TP), Sicily.

How to reach us

By car: Valderice can be reached via the A29 motorway (Trapani exit) and is just a few kilometres from Trapani and Erice. Nearest airport: Trapani-Birgi. Nearest train station: Trapani.

Admission

Free admission. The performances take place in the evening (roughly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM).

Tips

Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended for the outdoor path in the park. A tasting of sfincie, typical Christmas pastries, is provided along the route.

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Where does it take place — The Bible in the Park

Parco Urbano di Misericordia

Contact The Bible in the Park

The Bible in the Park in brief

Heritage History Folk traditions Folklore Spirituality Family Outdoor Free Trapani

History of The Bible in the Park