AGIRA · CHRISTMAS EVE
Agira’s Living Nativity.
One night when the streets become a story. Between the historic centre’s lanes and the castle ruins, costumed performers bring the Nativity and Sicilian rural traditions to life.
DECEMBER
2026
36TH EDITION · 2026
In Agira, on 24 December.
The next event is Thursday 24 December 2026: the 36th edition, organised by the Amici del Presepe association. The performance winds through the upper historic centre and reaches its conclusion in the setting of the castle.
The programme for Christmas Eve.
The date has been announced. Times for individual scenes, access arrangements and any services will be updated with the 2026 programme. Previous editions have animated the town from the evening through to the Nativity on Christmas night.
01 / ONE NIGHT, ONE STORY
The town becomes the setting.
The Living Nativity takes place on 24 December, as Agira welcomes Christmas. The route connects the story of Jesus’s birth with the town itself: passages, courtyards and streets in the upper centre lead towards the medieval castle.
Mary and Joseph, the costumed performers and the Nativity scene are at the heart of a performance encountered on foot. The photographs show moments from previous editions, from street settings to the quiet of the final scene.
02 / CRAFTS AND TRADITIONS
Hands tell stories.
Alongside the biblical story, the Living Nativity evokes the work and settings of rural and pastoral life. Workshops, tools, baskets and household objects help recreate scenes of everyday life and traditional crafts.
In Filippo Sanfilippo’s images, a potter shapes clay and a blacksmith raises his hammer. Other scenes show encounters, domestic settings and characters from the performance, revealing the people behind it.
03 / A SHARED TRADITION
A community’s work.
The Amici del Presepe association has sustained this tradition since 1989. Building the settings and portraying its characters is a collective effort, involving people who construct, prepare and give their time to the event.
In 2026, the association announced its “Best Living Nativity in Italy” award for 2025/2026, received at the 33rd Geraci Eventus Praesepium Meeting. The award recognises the artistic and scenic work of the performance.
04 / THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STORY
Fifteen views, one night.
Scenes from previous editions, photographed by Filippo Sanfilippo.
05 / BEFORE YOU SET OFF
Plan your visit.
01When does it take place?
The next event is on 24 December 2026, its 36th edition. Scene times will be added when the detailed 2026 programme is available.
02Where does the route begin?
The performance takes place in the upper historic centre and at the castle. Entry points, routes and directions for 2026 will be updated with the organisers’ programme.
03Admission and shuttle buses
Admission has traditionally been free. Arrangements for the 2026 edition and any shuttle service should be checked against the organisers’ specific announcements.
04How should I prepare?
The visit takes place outdoors at night, along sloping streets and steps. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes; if you have mobility requirements, check the edition’s routes in advance.