The Manarola Nativity Scene 2024: A Bright Tradition in the Cinque Terre

Updated 2024

For over sixty years, the quaint village of Manarola, nestled in the heart of the Cinque Terre, lights up every December 8th with the magical atmosphere of its famous Manarola Nativity Scene. This unique work, conceived by Mario Andreoli, a former railway worker, has been illuminating the Hill of the Three Crosses since 1961, transforming it into a charming Christmas setting that captures the imagination of thousands of visitors each year.

Andreoli, born in 1928, began his artistic venture in memory of his father, illuminating a cross on the family hill with a car battery. This symbolic gesture transformed into a passion that led him to create over 250 figures, adorned with thousands of lights, depicting not only the traditional nativity scene but also characteristic elements of the territory, such as fishermen and marine animals. The Manarola Nativity Scene, made with iron and recycled materials, is an exceptional example of environmental art reflecting the dialogue between human creativity and natural landscape.

The nativity scene, now a symbol of the Manarola community and the Cinque Terre, has become a collective project, with the support of the Cinque Terre National Park and the Municipality of Riomaggiore. The Manarola Nativity Scene Mario Andreoli Association is dedicated to setting up this magnificent work and organizing related events, keeping this unique tradition alive.

The annual lighting of the nativity scene takes place on December 8th, remaining lit every evening until the end of January. For an optimal view, visitors can admire the nativity scene from the square of the San Lorenzo church or Via Rollandi. However, for the more adventurous, the Via Beccara trail offers the most spectacular view, although it requires some effort and a flashlight for its 320 steps.

Despite its humble origins, the Manarola Nativity Scene has grown to become an international attraction, also incorporating current themes such as figures of doctors and nurses during the coronavirus pandemic. With over 17,000 bulbs and 8 km of electrical cables, this nativity scene is not just an artistic representation of the nativity but also a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the Manarola community.

This year, the Nativity Scene will be open from December 8, 2023, to January 28, 2024. If you can’t be there for the lighting on December 8th, don’t worry; the lights of the nativity scene will illuminate the nights of Manarola until 10 pm every evening, offering an unforgettable experience for all those who wish to immerse themselves in this magical Christmas atmosphere.

December 8th program- lightning:

• 2,30pm: music band “La Monterossina”(itinerant)
• 3,30pm: Gospel Concert at San Lorenzo Church with “The Smiles Faces Choir”
• 4pm: Opening of the Oratory in Manarola – Photography Exhibitions:
  • “Mario and His Nativity Scene” curated by the Association Presepe di Manarola
  • “Essence of the San Lorenzo Procession” photos by Davide Crovara, curated by the Association Radici
• 5,20pm Cai torchlight procession/ Authorities’ greetings

• Lighting of Manarola Nativity Scene and a fireworks display!