2011-2012 Umbrian Cribs

2011 Christmas is approaching and Umbria, one of the Italian regions with the oldest historical, religious and folk traditions, which are rooted in the mists of time, also this year will pay homage to the Nativity with the Presepe (i. e. Christmas Crib or Nativity Scene).

Bella Umbria will look at some of these works taking place around the Green Heart of Italy at 2011 Christmas, dividing them into Artistics and Livings. For a more complete list, and divided by districts, we refer to the .Pdf file at the bottom of the article.

We'll start from the Artistics.

Now in its 23rd edition in Orvieto (TR) the Presepe nel Pozzo (The Crib in the Well) (pdf 805 kb). The name is not random: it is located at the end of the archaeological complex of Pozzo della Cava, a cave of Etruscan origin 14 meters below sea level. With life-sized animated characters. From December 23rd, 2011 to January 8th, 2012, from 09:00 to 20:00.

In Magione (PG), at the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Presepe Storico Meccanizzato (Historic Mechanized Nativity Scene) realized by the artist Sante Cacchiata. From December 8th, 2011 to January 6th, 2012. 16:00 – 19:00, holidays 10:00 – 12:00 and 16:00 – 19:00.

The Church of St. Maria in Ferentillo (TR) host, as every year, the Art Crib, now known nationally and annually attracts thousands of visitors in the small town of the province of Terni. From December 8th, 2011 to January 31st, 2012.

For those wishing to combine a visit to an art crib, food and wine, in Monte Castello di Vibio (PG), specifically in Doglio, 18-25-26 days in December and on January there will be on 1-5-6-7-8 the fifth edition of Viaggio nel Presepe (Travel in the Crib): travel inside the country among nativity arts and crafts from various parts of the world, tasting of typical products, mulled wine and entertainment. Start time: 16:00.

In Massa Martana (PG) are put on display 150 nativity scenes from all the 20 regions of Italy with Presepi d'Italia (Cribs of Italy). This year's edition takes up the theme of the unification of Italy during the celebrations of the 150th anniversary.
From December 24th to January 8th, 2012 artists from all over Italy showcase their creations fruit of experience, technique and imagination. Site presepiditalia.it.

In Citta di Castello (PG) 12th Mostra Internazionale di Arte Presepiale (International Exhibition of Art Crib): cribs route in the historic center, the traditional nativity scene at the convent of Zoccolanti, traditional nativity scene at the shrine of the Madonna di Belvedere.

For the eighth consecutive year, given the success of previous editions, Cascia (PG) is home to the traditional Rassegna dei Presepi (Festival of the Nativity Scenes), which collects cribs of all types and sizes, winding through churches, wineries and places of the Old City of Santa Rita. From December 8th, 2011 to January 22nd, 2012.

In Montefalco (PG) comes to the third edition the show Once upon a time... at Christmas. Among the various initiatives proposed in the schedule, stands the fourth National Exhibition of Cribs. From December 4th, 2011 to January 8th, 2012.

In Calvi dell'Umbria (TR) reopens, after the last restoration involved the paintings of the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, the Presepe Monumentale (Monumental Crib) (pdf 116 kb). From Saturday, December 17th, 2011 you can visit 30 polychrome terracotta statues dating from the sixteenth century. Till January 6th, 2012.

Living Cribs.

In Cascia (PG), precisely in Avendita, on December 27th, 2011 at 20:30 Living Nativity Scene based on the history of St. Francis of Assisi, who gave birth to the first in crib in Greccio on Christmas Eve of 1223.

In Marsciano (PG), Compignano, Nativity Scene in the historic centre. On December 25th and 26th, 2011, from 16:00 to 19:00.
In Ficulle (TR) Travelling Crib. 150 participants, zampgonari, crafts workshops and tastings of typical products. On December 26th and January 2nd, 2012, at 18:00.

In Passignano (PG) Live Nativity Scene in the Castle.

In Arrone (TR) the Presepe Vivente di Arrone (Living Crib of Arrone) (jpg 256 kb). Seventeenth Edition, a trip between the ages of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

In Marmore, in the spectacular location of the Marmore Falls, First Presepe Vivente di Marmore (jpg 617 kb). Web Site presepedimarmore.it.

In Castel San Gregorio and Petrignano (PG) scenes in the streets of the villages. presepeviventessangregorio.it e presepepetrignano.it.

For the first time also Stroncone (TR) will have its Presepe Vivente per le vie del Centro Storico (Living Crib in the streets of the Historic Centre) (jpg 369 kb). Over 100 atmosphere actors engaged in the construction of three scenes: the Annunciation, the Census and the Nativity in the cave. The viewer will make a guided tour, where will be present scenes of small arts and crafts era. On December 26th, 2011, January 1st and 6th, 2012 starting at 17:00.


For a more comprehensive list (but not total, it would be almost impossible "census" all the cribs of the Umbrian villages, ed), we refer to the following. Pdf: 2011-2012 Cribs of Umbria (pdf 256 kb).

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