We've already discussed how live Nativities came about and the original one in Italy but there are many others worth mentioning. One of these is that at Canosa di Puglia, in Puglia, which is often regarded as the most beautiful one in all of Italy. The perfect outing for anyone spending Christmas in this part of Italy, you need to stop by once you've found the right luxury villa in Puglia, and live through the experience of the Nativity. Few other places in the world will you find it done quite so well and it is a rather important part of local tradition, even if it hasn't actually been taking place for that long, especially compared to the live Nativities of other parts of the country.
The life-size set measures 300m in total and thoroughly brings to life the scene in Bethlehem, with the baby Jesus lying in the manger, watched over by Mary and Joseph while a flight of angels announce the good news. Set within a grotto, it takes place in an evocative atmosphere where a sense of intimacy, paired with the authentic smells and sounds, truly evoke the story and often have an emotional effect on visitors. The set-up is very elaborate with over 300 adults and children involved and dressed in costume, set about the scene to help tell the story and braving the, often, cold weather in the winter evenings. However, they are key to helping bring the Nativity truly to life.
The event is sponsored by the patronage of the Town Hall, the Regional government, the Provincial government, the Diocese of Andria, the Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno and the Puglia Imperiale tourism agency. Its setting is an area of great archaeological interest, with underground hypogea and the warm colours of the tufa rock Canosa’s crib recalling the Middle Eastern landscapes which inspired the director, together with the customs and traditions of Palestine at the time of Christ’s birth. For more than 10 years the event has been taking place in this most beautiful and enchanting of locations. It opens on December 26th, after a procession to the site and continues until the 6th of January.
Few other places in the world can you get such an idea and experience of Nazareth 2000 years ago. To have a unique and stirring Christmas experience, this is where you need to go in Puglia this festive season.