The magic of Christmas is experienced in the tradition of nativity scenes, whose charm is never affected by the wear and tear of time. There are many nativity scenes to be admired throughout the city of Rimini: artistic, handcrafted nativity scenes from all over the world, because Christmas is a bridge that also unites different cultures and traditions, fills the churches and adorns the monuments of the city, such as the Malatesta Temple or the Arch of Augustus. But in a seaside town like Rimini, even the beach and the Darsena are transformed into unique Christmas scenes, with nativity scenes created on boats or using sand.
The large sand nativity scene on the free beach at Marina Centro adds an extra sprinkle of magic to the beach. It opens to the public together with the Christmas Village, the ice rink and the walk on the dunes, enchanting adults and children alike. This year, the sand artists take us back in time, skilfully recreating the Bethlehem of Judea of two thousand years ago. A monumental work depicting the Nativity, the Three Kings and scenes of everyday life, all made with only sand and sea water. And for the little ones, a special surprise: a nativity scene just for them, with characters from their favourite comic strips: from Mickey Mouse to Super Goofy and Dragon Ball. The inauguration will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the presence of the Mayor of Rimini and the little ones will be welcomed by the Happy Circus mascots.
In Rimini, however, you can find so many celebrations of the Nativity, evoking rural or seafaring traditions, whether made of sand and sea water, or composed of myriads of moving mechanisms, with statuettes that are made by hand, or dressed in fine fabrics, or even theatricalised by people figures in costume.
The tradition of the Living Nativity Scene is revived with participants re-enacting scenes from the Nativity and moments of daily life curated by the local parishes involving adults and children. The biggest event is on 6 January: a performance involving the entire old town and bringing together different cultures and traditions, entitled In Viaggio con i Re Magi (Travelling with the Three Wise Men). The event, organised by Made Officina Creativa, in collaboration with the Diocese and the Municipality of Rimini, is being held for the second year running. Four hundred participants from ten different nations will parade through the streets of the city, accompanied by traditional music and dances. A colourful, evocative procession culminating with the arrival of the Three Wise Men, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar, involving all those present in a festive occasion.
In Borgo San Giuliano, there will be an evocative re-enactment of Bethlehem two thousand years ago, with Nativity scenes and re-enactments of everyday life
The tradition of the Living Nativity Scene is also renewed every year inland, with an evocative spectacle in a medieval village, such as the Living Nativity at Rocca di Montefiore.
An opportunity to enter into the spirituality of the event even more is to walk along the Saint Francis Walk from Rimini to La Verna, along which, from December to 6 January, there are numerous nativity scenes on display in convents, fortresses, churches; both ancient and modern; made by master nativity scene makers, nuns and friars, works of art or simple creations made by children (https://online.fliphtml5.com/idfrr/zndz/#p=1 ) ).
Here is the map for a nativity scene itinerary around Rimini:
30 November 2024 - 12 January 2025
Free beach Piazzale Boscovich - Rimini Marina Centro
Marina Centro Sand Nativity
Bethlehem of Judea - year zero
The large nativity scene sculpted from sand by the winter sea takes shape from Saturday 30 November. An artistic sand nativity scene occupies an area of 500 square metres on the public beach in Piazzale Boscovich, inside a covered marquee. It consists of more than 20 sculpture groups, made up of sculptures varying in size from 1.5 metres to over 5 metres in height that are combined into a traditional Christmas setting. Six sand sculptors from different European countries shaped the sand with water to create the giant works that compose the Nativity with shepherds, animals and village life with artisans and characters animating the scenic sculpture groups. And for the little ones, a special surprise: a nativity scene dedicated to them, with characters from their favourite comic strips.
Coinciding with the inauguration of the nativity scene, on Saturday 30 November, the large Christmas Village - Ice Village - also kicks off in Piazzale Boscovich. This includes the craft market, the Happy Circus with its multicoloured marquee and children's shows, and the large indoor ice skating rink with its 600 square metres for twirling around on the ice, which this year will be equipped with a structure to allow people in wheelchairs to 'skate' (on 19th december and on 3rd January).
Opening on Saturday 30 November at 11 a.m
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 2.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. / Saturday and public holidays 9.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.
Guided tours by appointment during morning hours for groups or schools (free of charge for nursery, kindergarten and primary schools). Admission fee: € 3 Concessions 2 €. Free: children under 120 cm and people with disabilities. Info: 331 522 4196 www.facebook.com/presepesabbia.rn/
7 and 8 December 2024 and 24 December - 2 February 2025
Rimini, Via San Bernardino 26
Nativity scenes at the Church of San Bernardino - Monastery of the Nativity of Mary
In addition to the traditional nativity scene on display in the church for the entire festive period until Candlemas, during the Immaculate Conception weekend at San Bernardino there will be around fifty beautifully crafted nativity scenes made from olive, cherry or plaster wood by the Poor Clare nuns themselves, and on sale for the occasion.
Nativity Scene visiting hours: 6.10-8.30 am and 3.15-7 pm; markets: 7 December: 3-6pm; 8 December: 9Am-12pm and 3-5.30pm
8 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Bagno 65 - Torre Pedrera
Nativity scene on the beach
On the beach in northern Rimini, bathing establishment no. 65 in Torre Pedrera. The return to a traditional Nativity scene made of hand-carved wooden figures set up directly on the sand, a classic nativity scene with hints of local seafaring traditions. A work in progress that will be perfected over time with more and more new characters visiting the Bethlehem hut....
Opening hours: all day. Free admission.
8 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Malatesta Temple, via IV Novembre, 35 - Rimini
Nativity Scenes from Around the World
it is possible to admire nativity scenes from around the world in the splendid Chapel of the Planets and the Zodiac inside the Cathedral Basilica, for a journey that brings together the various immigrant communities living in Rimini, with nativity scenes from Albania, Peru and Africa, to name but a few. An opportunity for reflection, knowledge and religious and cultural interchange offered to the city to increase the sense of fraternity. Inauguration in the presence of the Bishop.
Opening hours: 8.30am -12pm and 3.30-6pm Info: 0541 51130
8 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Church of the Paolotti, Piazza Tre Martiri - Rimini old town
Traditional Nativity Scene
The historic traditional mechanical nativity scene reopens, run by the Friars Minor of St. Francis of Paola next to the Church of the Paolotti.
Open daily until 6 January, then the nativity scene remains open on Wednesdays and weekends until Candlemas (2 February). Opening hours: 9am-12pm and 4-7pm
8 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Rimini - Covignano, Via delle Grazie 10
Nativity Scene at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie
The church houses a small terracotta nativity scene from the 18th century and on the altar you can also admire the Annunciation by Ottaviano Nelli (1425c) and 17th-century frescoes from the Marche region. Info: 0541 751061
8 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Rimini, Via Santa Chiara 28
Nativity scene in Santa Chiara
A semi-mechanical nativity scene made of a variety of materials and characters wearing robes made from precious fabrics. On the main altar is the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mercy painted by G. Soleri Brancaleoni in 1796. Opening hours: 8am-12pm and 4-7pm
from Sunday 8 December 2024 to Monday 6 January 2025
via Maffei, 11 - Rimini
Handcrafted Nativity Scene: the mechanical work of Alberto Minelli
Mr Alberto Minelli opens his home to those who wish to visit his mechanical nativity scenes.
Three different installations, set up in three separate rooms, a large main mechanical nativity scene, and two other creations celebrating Christmas, one featuring reproductions of ancient crafts, the other depicting a town district.
This is one of the traditional classical nativity scenes with figurines of about 20 cm in size all dressed in fine fabrics.
Admission: free contribution. Booking is recommended. Info: 0541 390693 (mealtimes) - 320 6920653
9 December 2024 - 11 January 2025
Rimini, Arch of Augustus
Nativity scene under the Arch of Augustus
Un Presepe per la città is the traditional Nativity scene in the heart of the old town and is created with the contribution of the workers from the Zavatta centre charity. The nativity is set up as usual in the beautiful setting of the Arch of Augustus, where it will remain on display until the weekend following Epiphany. Info: 0541 367121 (Associazione Sergio Zavatta Onlus)
15 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Church of Sant'Agostino, Via Cairoli, 36 - Rimini old town
Traditional nativity scene
In the splendid church of Sant'Agostino, which houses precious works by artists from the 14th-century Rimini School, it is possible to visit a traditional nativity scene at Christmas time.
Opening hours: 8am-12pm and 2.30-5.30pm
21 December 2024 - 6 January 2025
Darsena, Via Ortigara, 80 - Rimini San Giuliano Mare
Nativity at the Darsena
A floating nativity scene on the historic boats of Vele al Terzo Rimini.
The Nativity play is reproduced in a choreography inspired by seafaring in memory of those lost at sea. On Saturday 21 December, starting at 4.30 p.m., a series of events will take place, starting with the blessing of the nativity scene with Christmas choirs accompanied by a band and violin. There will also be an atmospheric underwater torchlight procession, jet ski displays and the distribution of gifts to children, while chocolate, mulled wine, sweets and doughnuts will be offered to all participants.
From the week before the event and throughout the festivities, the Maritime Christmas 'wall' is set up where children can leave a little thought by attaching handmade baubles and messages of peace. The nativity scene remains open until 6 January 2025. The event is organised by the San Giuliano Mare Tourist Committee, Volontari Soccorso in Mare, Jet Riders, Aquabike San Marino, Sub Gian Neri, Gruppo Sommozzatori GdF, Vele al Terzo, Marina di Rimini.
Sunday 22 December 2024
Rimini, Borgo San Giuliano
The village of San Giuliano lights up with the traditional Living Nativity Scene
The parishes of San Giuliano Martire and Santa Maria Maddalena (Celle) present the first edition of the Living Nativity Scene, along Via San Giuliano, which is transformed into an evocative re-enactment of Bethlehem two thousand years ago, with scenes of the Nativity and moments of daily life in the heart of the historic village. A unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the Christmas spirit. The event is open to all. Opening hours: from 4-6pm
Sunday 22 December 2024
Church of San Gaudenzo, Piazza Mazzini - Rimini
Living Nativity Scene in the Church of San Gaudenzo
For the Christmas festivities, the Parish of San Gaudenzo organises a living nativity scene inside the church. A representation of the Nativity performed by the children of the parish. Opening time: 3pm.
Monday 6 January 2024
Rimini old town, from Ponte di Tiberio to the Malatesta Temple
Travelling with the Three Wise Men
The second edition of the international event recounting the arrival of the three wise men will be held on the day of Epiphany, in Rimini,. The procession will start at 5 p.m. from Ponte Tiberio, cross Piazza Cavour and Piazza Tre Martiri, and arrive at around 7 p.m. at the Malatesta Temple, visiting Rimini's symbolic sites. The parade will consist of 400 participants, 4 choirs, 150 musicians, and 10 nationalities who together will form the procession in full costume, with music, dancing and traditional songs, involving all those present in a festive moment.
The arrival of Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar, the mysterious wise men from the East, is a tradition that has distant roots and will be revived in Rimini thanks to the involvement of many local organisations and hundreds of foreigners living in Rimini from Peru, Venezuela, Hungary, Senegal, Romania, the Philippines, China... A production by Made Officina Creativa, in collaboration with the Municipality and Diocese of Rimini.
Time: from 4.30- 7pm. Info: segreteria@madeofficinacreativa.com
Thursday 26 December, Sunday 29 December and Wednesday 1 January 2025
The Living Nativity Scene is back in Montefiore Conca, in the heart of one of Italy's most beautiful villages, with the reconstruction of numerous scenes of life from the Nativity, enveloping the old town in an evocative atmosphere. Together with the animals, there will be more than 180 figures including shepherds, pipers and craftsmen reproducing ancient trades arrive at the Montefiore fortress for a small, exciting open-air theatrical performance. Opening hours: 5-8pm. Admission ticket 7€. Children under 12 free of charge.