Longiano’s Nativity Scene Festival: A Romagna Holiday Experience

From December 8th, 2022, to January 8th, 2023, the charming town of Longiano (FC) will once again transform into a captivating Christmas wonderland. This year’s festival boasts exciting new features, including a spectacular nativity scene in Piazza Tre Martiri and enchanting Christmas markets. Immerse yourself in the authentic holiday spirit and rich cultural heritage unique to the Romagna region. The 32nd edition features significant enhancements to the event structure and programming. Explore the captivating, medieval historic center of Longiano (FC), a recipient of the Touring Club’s “Orange Flag” award, adorned with festive holiday lights and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Discover a captivating trail of nativity scenes nestled throughout town squares, streets, gardens, and charming corners. The journey begins with the magnificent mechanical nativity scene at the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix, a cornerstone of Longiano’s tradition and one of Romagna’s oldest and most renowned displays. This enchanting route, comprising 26 nativity scenes, includes the remarkable new addition of Lorenzo Lunati’s masterpiece in Piazza Tre Martiri. Continue your exploration through the Museum of Sacred Art, showcasing the Neapolitan Nativity from the Ferrigno workshop—one of Naples’ most celebrated historical nativity scene workshops—and the Nativity by Quarto Gualtieri. The journey then leads to the Museum of the Territory and the Cast Iron Museum. The Wartime Shelter will once again house the much-loved mechanical nativity scene created by the Gualtieri family. An original nativity scene by the renowned artist Pier Giorgio Poeta will be exhibited at the Tourist Information Office. The Tito Balestra Foundation will present “The Prayer Nativity” by Raffaele Pentasuglianella in the Madonna di Loreto chapel, along with the fourth edition of the “Imago Nativitas” video mapping projections in the courtyard of the Malatesta Castle. After a two-year hiatus, the highly anticipated exhibition of numerous nativity scenes, featuring mechanical, static, modern, and traditional pieces from collections worldwide, returns to the Sala San Girolamo. Local businesses and residents actively contribute to the festive atmosphere, showcasing their own nativity scenes in gardens, shop windows, and homes. Community organizations such as Ritroviglio, the San Tomaso Day Center, Montilgallo Group, Caritas, and this year for the first time, the Roversano Nativity Scene Group, join in the celebration. The latter group, in collaboration with the Gualtieri family, will erect a life-size nativity scene featuring traditional Romagna statues in Piazza Malatestiana. Outdoor nativity scenes will be accessible daily, 24/7, from December 8th, 2022, to January 8th, 2023. Indoor displays will be open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM; from December 24th to January 8th, daily during the same hours. This year’s festival includes a significant new addition: eleven days of Christmas markets on December 8th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, and January 6th, 7th, and 8th. These markets will operate on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Eleven charming wooden huts in Via Borgo Fausto will offer various handicrafts, charming trinkets, and delectable seasonal treats. In Piazza Tre Martiri, a grand life-size nativity scene will replace the traditional Christmas tree, aligning with eco-friendly practices. Existing trees, such as the one near the Malatesta Castle, will be decorated instead. Festive nativity scenes will also be set up in the surrounding hamlets: Budrio, Badia, Balignano, San Lorenzo in Scanno, and Montilgallo, each showcasing the unique creativity of local groups and artisans. A detailed schedule of events, including musical performances and family activities, will be available on the Longiano dei Presepi Facebook page. A map of the nativity scene trail will be available at the Tourist Information Office and various locations along the route. Romagna a Tavola is not the event organizer but assists in its promotion. For further information, please contact the event organizers.