Living Nativity of Custonaci

Living Nativity of Custonaci 2025/26 – The Magic of Christmas in the Mangiapane Cave

In the heart of Western Sicily, between the sea and the mountains of Monte Cofano, one of the most authentic and enchanting Christmas events returns: the Living Nativity of Custonaci.
The 2025/26 edition will take place from December 25 to 28, 2025, and from January 3 to 6, 2026, confirming a tradition that every year attracts thousands of visitors from all over Italy and abroad.

A journey through time, faith, art, and tradition

The Living Nativity of Custonaci is not a simple reenactment, but a real journey through time.
Set inside the majestic Mangiapane Cave, an ancient rock village inhabited until the 1950s, the event transforms the site into a biblical village brought to life by more than 150 participants, who recreate the trades and daily life of ancient Bethlehem.

Amid the scent of freshly baked bread, the ringing of blacksmiths’ hammers, and the warm glow of oil lamps, visitors are immersed in an atmosphere that combines spirituality, culture, and authenticity.
Every scene and every detail are crafted with care to offer a vivid, emotional experience — where the Nativity comes to life among the rocks of the cave and the heartfelt devotion of Sicilian tradition.

The Mangiapane Cave: a natural and cultural treasure

The Mangiapane Cave, located in the hamlet of Scurati, is one of the largest natural caverns in Sicily.
Over 70 meters high, it shelters a picturesque stone village built in the 19th century, still perfectly preserved today.
This unique setting makes the Custonaci Nativity not only a religious event, but also a celebration of the region’s historic and natural heritage.

During the days of the event, the entire area becomes an open-air living museum: ancient crafts — from carpenters to potters, shepherds to bakers — are brought back to life thanks to the dedication of local artisans and volunteers.

Custonaci, the City of Marble and the Nativity

Custonaci is known as the “City of Marble and the Nativity”, two elements that perfectly express its soul: on one hand, craftsmanship and production traditions; on the other, deep spirituality and devotion.
During the Christmas season, the whole town dresses up in lights, markets, and performances, creating a magical atmosphere that makes Custonaci one of Sicily’s most captivating Christmas destinations.

An experience to remember

The Living Nativity of Custonaci is more than a Christmas performance — it is a symbol of community, identity, and faith.
Each year it moves both young and old, blending tradition and devotion in one of the island’s most striking locations.
More than an event, it is a living testimony to Sicilian culture and its extraordinary spirit of hospitality.

Date

From December 25 to 28, 2025
From January 3 to 6, 2026

Schedule and Other Useful Information
The event takes place in the afternoon/evening, typically starting at 4:00 PM.

Tickets: online pre-sale is available.

Location: Grotta Mangiapane, Scurati area, Municipality of Custonaci (Province of Trapani).

The route starts from the historic center of Custonaci, with a shuttle to the cave.
The setting is very detailed: actors, over a hundred extras, scenes with traditional crafts, farm animals, and rural Sicilian life.

Why It’s Worth Visiting
Grotta Mangiapane offers a unique setting: a village inside the rock, inhabited since the Neolithic period, which becomes the stage for the Nativity and scenes of traditional life.

It’s an immersive historical reenactment: not just a nativity scene, but a complex depiction of daily Sicilian life in the past.

An excellent opportunity to experience a Christmas “off the beaten path,” combining nature (cave and scenery), culture, tradition, and local crafts.

Practical Tips

Book tickets online in advance to avoid long waits, especially on busy days.

Arrive around 4:00 PM to enjoy the first scenes in good light.

Dress appropriately: it can be cooler inside the cave, bring a light jacket.

Check parking and shuttle service: it runs from the historic center of Custonaci to the cave.

To avoid crowds, choose a less busy day (for example, one of the days from January 3–6).

What to Expect
The cave and surrounding areas are transformed into an ancient village with scenes of traditional Sicilian life: artisans, old trades, rock houses, animals, workshops, and settings that showcase rural Sicily.

The event involves many extras in period costumes and offers an immersive experience of history, faith, and landscape.

It has been recognized as an intangible heritage of Sicily since 2006.

Why It’s Worth the Visit

• Unique location: Grotta Mangiapane is a real natural cave with buildings carved into the rock, an extraordinary setting for a living nativity.
• Cultural and tourist experience: it allows combining a visit to the village of Custonaci, the landscape of the Gulf of Cornino/Monte Cofano, and a memorable Christmas event.
• Great for families: children and adults can experience Christmas in a non-commercial setting, fully immersed in tradition.

How to Get to Custonaci from Palermo Airport

By rental car

The distance is approximately 70–90 km depending on the route, with a travel time of about 1–1.5 hours.

From the airport, take the main highway/road west (for example, the A29 Highway connecting Palermo with the Trapani area) and follow signs for Trapani/Custonaci.
Advantages: greater flexibility and convenience; you can stop whenever you want.

Private transfer
Useful tips:

• If you arrive late, taking a transfer may be safer and more convenient.
• If you have heavy luggage or are in a group, a car or private transfer is more practical.

If you want to rent a car at Palermo airport, click this link: www.tdsrent.en

If you’re looking for a transfer from Palermo Airport to Custonaci, click on this link: www.tdstransfer.en

How to Get to Custonaci from Trapani-Birgi Airport

By rental car
The drive takes about 40–45 minutes.
Advantage: flexibility and convenience, especially if you have luggage or arrive late.

Private transfer
Useful tips:

• If you arrive late, taking a transfer may be safer and more convenient.
• If you have heavy luggage or are in a group, a car or private transfer is more practical

If you want to rent a car at Trapani-Birgi airport, click this link: www.tdsrent.en

If you’re looking for a transfer from Trapani-Birgi Airport to Custonaci, click on this link: www.tdstransfer.en