PRESEPE VIVENTE (LIVE NATIVITY)
PRESEPE VIVENTE (LIVE NATIVITY)
The village of Campagnano is transformed once a year into a mini Jerusalem with villagers dressing up in costumes. The whole event feels like going back in time but there is no shortage of great food on offer too!
The "Presepe Vivente" (Live Nativity) is held once a year in village of Campagnano near Ischia Ponte. The traditional event sees the usually sleepy village transformed into a busting rendition of Jerusalem during biblical times.
From the roads scattered with hay to the invitation to exchange your euros into a specially-created currency for the evening, the very first steps into the village tell you that something a little out of the ordinary is going on. You can use the coins to buy food such as "Pasta con Fagioli" (Pasta with Beans) or drink such as "Vin Brulee" a type of mulled wine from the various stalls that are dotted around.
The event is organised in such a way that you have a suggested route to follow which allows you to take in each of the curious sights such as the villagers dressed in period clothing while they prepare food and carry out traditional crafts such as carpentry and basket-weaving.
Eventually you will encounter the live nativity with the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and donkey all looking very contented with life in their little grotto. At certain points you are likely to meet three wise men as they deliver frankincense, gold and myrrh and at others, the surprising sound of bagpipes, Italian-style.
Apart from the pasta you'll find other stalls offering grilled sausages, polenta and delicious doughnuts and other cakes, all made on the spot.
The 2015 event takes place on Sunday 28th December, starting at 16:00. A free shuttle-bus service runs to Campagnano from Palazetto Taglialatella, close to the football stadium between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte.
From the roads scattered with hay to the invitation to exchange your euros into a specially-created currency for the evening, the very first steps into the village tell you that something a little out of the ordinary is going on. You can use the coins to buy food such as "Pasta con Fagioli" (Pasta with Beans) or drink such as "Vin Brulee" a type of mulled wine from the various stalls that are dotted around.
The event is organised in such a way that you have a suggested route to follow which allows you to take in each of the curious sights such as the villagers dressed in period clothing while they prepare food and carry out traditional crafts such as carpentry and basket-weaving.
Eventually you will encounter the live nativity with the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and donkey all looking very contented with life in their little grotto. At certain points you are likely to meet three wise men as they deliver frankincense, gold and myrrh and at others, the surprising sound of bagpipes, Italian-style.
Apart from the pasta you'll find other stalls offering grilled sausages, polenta and delicious doughnuts and other cakes, all made on the spot.
The 2015 event takes place on Sunday 28th December, starting at 16:00. A free shuttle-bus service runs to Campagnano from Palazetto Taglialatella, close to the football stadium between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte.
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