The Living Nativity - Alberobello

A cold day in Peschici - late afternoon. The first Raven'n'Blues of 2009 is done. We've just come back from a good trip out to the beaches earlier today.

Time to backtrack to last year and our first night in Alberobello when we went to experience a "Living Nativity". I had expected to see two people dressed as Joseph & Mary with a baby (real or otherwise), perhaps a donkey, some wise men, shepherds etc etc.

How wrong !

Alberobello has been presenting a Living Nativity for many years. I would guess that two to three hundred people are involved as actors in the many street tableaux, trulli residents in period costumes and guides.

Plus all those doing film and sound reproduction, catering at the end, care of the many horses, donkeys, sheep and even a camel.

After entering the church at the edge of the old town of piccolo (little) trullis you get a slideshow presentation of the history of the Living Nativity and some instructions about staying with your group and then you are off into the old town.


One by one the streets scenes unfold. You duck into little houses and see people dressed in 19th century costume, making bread, cooking food, weaving, and woodwork. Historical and biblical scenes are enacted.

The streets are full of groups of us, all being led by our guides with flaming torches, and at every turn as we zig zag through the old town, something else to see.

After over two hours we get to the nativity scene and then the last descent to the main street and are given a glass of wine with some savoury pastries.

And the cost for this - nothing. Should you ever be in Puglia at Christmas you have to witness this wonderful experience. But wrap up warm.

The video was grabbed as I was not expecting anything like this and left the big camera in the hotel room. Rough edits too, next time I'll be ready.