The magical lighted nativity scene in Manarola will light up again this year, as every year, on December 8th. The Presepe in Manarola is the biggest Christmas Nativity in the world. This beauty can be admired daily from 5:30pm to 10pm until mid-January.
If you are in the area on December 8, do not miss the spectacular opening ceremony of this world famous outdoor nativity scene, in the middle of the Cinque Terre vineyards.
The first official lighting up of the Nativity Scene takes place every year on December 8, at around 5.30pm, on the hills around Manarola. The same afternoon there is a gospel concert in the Church of San Lorenzo and at 5.30pm the spectacular torchlight procession. After this the lighting of the Nativity scene and fireworks will take place.
Mr. Mario Andreoli started to build this unique nativity scene in 1976 and continued until his death in December 2022. The entire hill above Manarola is covered with lights and for this project 7 miles of electric cables, 15000 lights and 300 full-scale figures are needed. This unique nativity scene is made only of recycled materials powered by a photovoltaic system. The 4000 square meters of steep ground on which it is set up are not easy to reach.
If you want to admire the Christmas Nativity, you will have the best views walking up the path between Manarola and Riomaggiore. The nativity scene can also be seen from the central square of Manarola. The Presepe is particularly enchanting during the evening when it is illuminated, casting a warm glow over the village and creating a magical atmosphere.
The program of the Manarola nativity scene on December 8, 2024
2.30pm - The band “La Monterossina” is playing on the streets of Manarola.
3.30pm - Gospel concert with the “The Smiling Faces Choir” in the Church of San Lorenzo in Manarola.
4pm - 6pm - Opening of the Piè del Campu Mill (Radici Association).
4pm - 6.30pm - Photographic exhibition of “Mario e il suo presepe” and “Essenze della processione di San Lorenzo” in the Oratorio of Manarola.
5.30 pm - Torchlight procession of the CAI La Spezia
Approx. 5.45pm - the lighting of the Nativity scene and fireworks will take place.
