The Holy Family

LIVING NATIVITY/ REFLECTIONS

Born in a cave, on a cold and frosty night.
This is how Jesus, the Son of God, was born.
He was born surrounded by simplicity that every man on earth should live daily. He is The One who gave the most beautiful and most powerful message of peace that humanity has ever known.
We are born to live modestly. And we are here to convey the legacy of this important Message.

THE EVENT

Every year, during the Christmas holidays, the Grotta hosts thousands of visitors ready to experience the simplicity of the birth of Jesus Christ.

In the early 80s some residents of Custonaci decided to give it a new lease of life, bringing it back to its former glory, when it used to be home to entire families until the 40s.

Dozens and dozens of extras give life to the event, contributing to its organization not only with their presence, but also with their work activities.
A lot of craftsmen from all over Sicily perform by simply working, doing what people used to do a few decades ago. Most of them are those professions, that have been lost and forgotten, but in fact hiding their eternity.

The ancient crafts

It is an exceptional opportunity to learn something about our history and our origins.
Houses, stables, sheepfolds and chicken coops form an authentic village, built inside the cave over a century ago and inhabited until the Second World War.

Shepherds, farmers, artisans and artists reproduce the daily activities of the past. When visiting the nativity scene, one can meet women at the loom or doing laundry, blacksmiths and knife grinders, farmers carrying olives to the mill, artisans driving, fishermen mending nets: it is not about actors playing a part, but it is about people playing who they are, preserving traditions that would otherwise be lost.

Between torches and lanterns, bagpipers and storytellers, bread, cheese, oil and sauces are produced, chairs are stuffed, and vases are being decorated.
Cited by the national and international press, featured in popular television broadcasts, the cave and the village have been chosen as a location for famous films.
The living nativity scene, that comes to life in the cave, is a must for anyone visiting Sicily for its charm and authenticity.

TASTE AND FLAVOUR

Culinary tradition

LIVING NATIVITY / CUISINE

Cuisine has always been at the heart of traditions in southern Italy, and it is no coincidence that where its impact on the territory is so strong, family culture is clearly more relevant and decisive.

For the Sicilians cooking represents traditions and culture. It is one of the reasons for people to meet their relatives.
Sicily is considered the land of flavors and smells thanks to the family at the core of its culture.
During the Living Nativity scene, it is possible to watch the participants preparing delicious food and taste it as well.

SICILIAN CHRISTMAS

Musicians and artists

During Christmas holidays, the grotto hosts numerous musicians from Sicily and other regions, as well as artists from remote places, who come to feel the special mysterious atmosphere of this enchanting glimpse of Sicily, worth visiting.

Bagpipes and chiarameli, guitars and friscaletti, marranzani and tambourines... The Grotto combines typical Christmas and traditional Sicilian music, because, after all, the nativity scene is a union of sacred and Sicilian culture.

ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE MUSEO VIVENTE

CONTACTS

LINKS
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The Living Nativity

Refreshment area

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GROTTA MANGIAPANE

THE LIVING NATIVITY

The Holy Family

LIVING NATIVITY/ REFLECTIONS

THE EVENT

Every year, during the Christmas holidays, the Grotta hosts thousands of visitors ready to experience the simplicity of the birth of Jesus Christ.

" ... and he came that night, in a cold and frosty night "

SCULTORE

ZABBARINARO

RICAMATRICE

PELLICCIAIO