Christmas has never been so magic in Acireale.
Just like every year, the path of Christmas cribs still enchant citizens and tourists.
Along to history, the first Christmas crib representing Nativity scene was made in Greccio (near to Rieti) by St. Francesco. Then the tradition starts to grow and spread in Sicily and Campania.

Among cities of Catania, Acireale distinguish itself for the beauty of its craft Christmas crib. During Christmas holiday, noble buildings, ancient house, museum and churches host the exhibitions of the most beautiful hand-painted figurines.

The city of the hundred bell towers follows a traditional path, called “Stupor Mundi”, with the exhibition of craft Christmas crib in different area of the city. Starting from the 18th century Christmas crib inside the nice Church of St. Maria della Neve, better known as “A Rutta”, because it is located in a cave. The priest Mariano Valerio decided to establish here a crib composed by life-size figurines made of wax dressed with beautiful clothes which were finely decorated.

Continue visiting the Exhibition of craft Christmas crib, cured by the Associazione Artigiana Acese Acireale at the collegio Santonoceto in corso Umberto.
In the Convent of St Rocco has been set up the exhibition of craft Christmas crib “Stella di Betlemme”, cured by Associazione Culturale “Gruppo Liberi Artisti”.