In Custonaci at Trapanι region in South Sicily, the local residents hold, as in many places in Christendom, a show about the magic of the birth of Christ.
The event takes place twice, in Christmas on December 25th and in Epiphany on January 6th. The impressive theatrical show, which is held since 1983, takes
Custonaci Epiphany Nativity Play in Scurati Cave (Presepe Vivente di Custonaci), Sicily
Tucked into the rural hamlet of Scurati, a few kilometres from Custonaci in the province of Trapani, the Grotta Mangiapane becomes a stage for one of Sicily’s best-loved living nativities, a tradition that began in 1983 when young members of the town’s Catholic association decided to bring the farming and shepherding life of old Sicily back to life. The Epiphany performances are the closing days of the season, when the Three Kings take their place in the story and the cave village is at its most festive.
The same production that opens over Christmas returns for the first days of January, with around 160 characters, most of them local residents, populating the rock dwellings and stone cottages of a vanished nineteenth-century village. It is a good choice for travellers who want to see the living nativity after the Christmas crowds, as the season winds down around the Epiphany.
Living Nativity Highlights:
- The Three Kings arrive: as the season reaches Epiphany, the Magi take their place in the Nativity scene inside the cave, bringing the story to its traditional close.
- A cave village frozen in time: the Grotta Mangiapane, once home to generations of shepherds and farmers, is filled with scenes of daily life from rural Sicily.
- Artisans at work: real bakers, cheesemakers, oil pressers and potters show their traditional trades, and visitors are welcome to watch up close.
- Sicilian songs and bagpipes: zampognari bagpipers, folk songs, dances and cantastorie storytellers accompany the scenes, with ricotta, pane cunzato and almond biscuits to taste along the way.
Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:
- Tickets: entry is ticketed, with a lower price for children; buy online through the official site or at the box office in Custonaci, and expect Epiphany day to be one of the busiest.
- Opening Hours: past editions have run from the afternoon into the early evening, so arrive with time to walk the whole village before dusk; confirm current hours on the official site.
- Getting There: Scurati is a short drive from Custonaci along the SS187, and a shuttle bus has connected the centre of town with the cave. Palermo is the nearest airport and Trapani the closest railway station.
- What to Wear: early January can be chilly and damp, so wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes for the uneven rocky paths.
- Accommodation: lodging near Custonaci is on the smaller side and the holiday weekend is busy, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
- Explore Italy: extend the trip to the Zingaro reserve, hilltop Erice and the salt pans of Trapani — browse top Italy tours and activities here.
The full programme, opening hours and ticket details are published on the official Presepe Vivente di Custonaci website. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section. place in Scurati cave (Grotta Mangiapane) that is called also Grotta Mangiapane.
The youngsters alongside with the elders of the city participate in these events. The occurrence of the traditional drama in the cave provides a spiritual mightiness and illustrates the lifestyle county’s inhabitants in the 19th century.
The tourists who attend the city during Christmas and Epiphany are impressed by the spiritual show, the views, sounds, colors, smells and the local tastes.
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