The living nativity of Custonaci returns: traditional nativity inside Mangiapane cave after three years.

Last Updated: December 13, 2023

After a three-year interruption due to the pandemic and geological instability, the evocative living nativity scene of Custonaci, organized by the Museo Vivente association, is returning for its 39th edition. The historic nativity representation, one of the most suggestive in Sicily, will be open to the public again from 4pm on December 25th, 2023, until January 7th, 2024, on December 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, and January 5th, 6th, and 7th. This revival of the living nativity of Custonaci is the result of a successful collaboration between the archaeological park of Segesta, the Sicily hydrographic district authority, and the Municipality of Custonaci. The site, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mangiapane cave, has undergone a meticulous consolidation and safety intervention. The Mangiapane cave is an ancient prehistoric settlement that has been hosting the fascinating living nativity scene during the Christmas period since 1983. The route for visiting the nativity scene, which has been designated as part of Sicily’s intangible cultural heritage since 2006, will begin in the historic center of the village, where visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Christmas markets. With shuttle buses, visitors can then reach the village and the Mangiapane cave, admiring the houses carved into the mountain, the stables, ancient trades, the scents and flavors of food and tradition, all set to the music of bagpipers, hurdy-gurdy players, guitars, flutes, Jew’s harps, and tambourines, creating a unique and inimitable Christmas atmosphere.