Christmas itineraries: the living nativity in Bitetto, sanctuary of Blessed Giacomo

Bitetto is a town a few kilometres from BARI with a mainly agricultural character. From distant times it has been the site of a monastery with an adjoining church where the perfectly preserved remains of Blessed Giacomo are kept, a Franciscan originally from Zara who lived at the end of the 15th century with a reputation for holiness. In the old monastery the living nativity is staged in the style of the Neapolitan nativity scene. Dressed in 18th-century clothes, the performers pose in the main typical working activities of a peasant civilisation. In the staging of the living nativity two main features can be seen: the first relating to the ancient arts and crafts of the 18th century, and in the second one plunges into the atmosphere of the 15th century with the nativity in such garments. At the end of the visit, hot panzerotti for everyone.

The nativity association "Beato Giacomo" is linked to the Franciscan friars of the convent of the "Beato Giacomo", located in Bitetto (Bari). Every year it organises a wonderful exhibition of nativity art with nativity masters arriving from all over Italy. The exhibition, held from 8 December, the day of the Immaculate Conception, to 2 February, the day of Candlemas, attracts over 40,000 visitors, drawn also by the coincidence with the living nativity. The association has reached, in the works and the staging of the exhibition, a level such as to attract local and regional television.