Taking advantage of the fact that it is now almost November and that in the blink of an eye we will already be in December, we continue to discover the special activities that take place during the Christmas period in the various Italian regions. I'll take you back to Calabria to know the living crib of the small village of Panettieri.
bakers is a small mountain town that has very few inhabitants, geographically positioned at the extreme southern border of the province of Cosenza with the Catanzaro one. Getting there is not difficult… you simply have to hope not to be sensitive to the curves .. since for a long time you will see nothing but nature and… hairpin bends!
The "Living Nativity" by Panettieri has become, from year to year (this year will be the XIII edition), a regular appointment not only for the citizens of Baker who are an integral and supporting part of the initiative (adults and children are in fact the extras that you will find in the crib), but for all visitors, Calabrian and non, who now show up on time and numerous to visit it with increasing interest and curiosity. It is now such an important event that it has recently become part of the Historicized Cultural Events of the Calabria Region.
A few numbers to better define the scope of the event: 180 characters, over 35 stations set up, about 18 thousand visitors in the various performances. And again: more than 100 huge bales of straw to completely cover the path of the historic center; 10 horses and 5 oxen always around the path of the Nativity; an imposing script at the entrance to the "Nativity" of over 6 meters high and 18 wide; more than 400 "natural" torches that illuminate the whole path; traditional music shows that delight visitors inside and outside the living nativity scene.
And last but not least, along the way you will find the representation of typical trades including the baker, the milkman, etc…. and you will always have the opportunity to eat something delicious !!
After the walk and the inevitable aperitif, I suggest you go for dinner to the Vecchio Castagno (serrastretta, 25 minutes from Panettieri), where the good food and the kindness of the managers will not disappoint you.
What: living nativity scene
Where: Panettieri (Cs), Calabria
When: 25, 26, 30 December and 1, 5, 6 January
