Christmas in Sicily: the living nativity of Custonaci

One of the most anticipated and heartfelt Christmas events in Sicily is undoubtedly the living nativity of Custonaci, which this year will be held from December 25th 2019 to January 7th 2020. This wonderful town located on the north-west coast of the island, between San Vito Lo Capo and Trapani, in the Christmas period acquires a unique charm that makes it even more beautiful than usual.

The living nativity of Custonaci: a tradition since 1983

The party comes to life from the Grotta Mangiapane by Scurati in Custonaci, a place very rich in charm, so much so that it is often chosen as the setting for film and television sets. Since 1983, every year since Christmas, this charming village of low houses surrounded by rocks turns into a fascinating living nativity scene, enriched with a magic, a charm and a value that are truly indescribable. Most of the inhabitants, for a total of one hundred and sixty extras, are transformed into peasants and workers of the 1800s and enjoy wearing costumes and representing a sequence of scenes of everyday life typical of that period.

How to reach Custonaci

Have you decided to spend your Christmas holidays in Sicily and want to fully enjoy the local traditions and culture? Then Custonaci is the right destination for you! Furthermore, reaching the town will be very simple: you just need to take one of the ferries to Sicily to Trapani or Palermo and then continue by car.

• From Trapani. From Trapani you will arrive in Custonaci in less than half an hour. All you have to do is take the SP20 state road for 15 km towards SP18. Then continue on SP18 for about 2 km, in the direction of Via G. Mangiapane.
• From Palermo. From Palermo, instead, you will reach the destination in about an hour and a half by car. Take the E90 westbound and exit at Castellamare del Golfo, then continue along the 187 state road and then the 16 provincial road following the signs for Custonaci.

More information

For more information on the 2019 edition of the living nativity in Custonaci, such as the complete program of the event, possible date changes, how to participate, where and how to stay, you can consult the official website of the event: Presepeviventedicustonaci.it.