Matera, Italy – The annual ‘Living Nativity Scenes’ Festival in Matera’s iconic rock-cut Sassi districts has returned for another year, with a special addition to the festivities. This year, a dozen caves have been lit from below, creating a magical and unique experience for visitors. The soft lighting, powered by the sun, was revealed at a press conference held by Luca Prisco, director of the Matera Convention Bureau. Mayor Domenico Bernardi and Park Agency President Giovanni Mianulli were also in attendance.
The new lighting follows the approval of the Basilicata regional government’s Environmental Incidence Assessment (VINCA), demonstrating the commitment to creating an environmentally friendly festival. The festival kicked off on December 8, and will run until January 6, 2024, with a total of nine performances planned.
One of the highlights of the festival was the December 9 show, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera being admitted to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. That night, a special ceremony took place to celebrate the twinning of Matera with Greccio, a town in the province of Rieti known for its long-standing tradition of staging nativity scenes, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi.
In addition to the traditional performances, a ‘videomapping’ show was also presented in Piazza San Pietro Caveoso, recreating the historic meeting between Saint Francis of Assisi and Pope Honorius III. The Living Nativity Scene, directed by theatre director Giampiero Francese, stretched out over a four-kilometre course, starting from the city centre and passing through the Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso. The performance featured 200 professional actors, extras, and members of theatre companies from various regions, and has already attracted 400 bus-loads of visitors.
Serafino Paternoster, Head of the Press Office APT Basilicata, can be contacted for any further information regarding the festival at +3384299742. The ‘Living Nativity Scenes’ Festival in Matera is organized by the Matera Convention Bureau, with the support of the Basilicata regional government and the Park Agency of the Rupestrian Churches. The festival is an opportunity for visitors to experience the rich culture and history of Matera, while also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices.
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