Secrets of Life Well Lived: Floating Presepe of Cesenatico

During the Christmas holidays, cities, towns and villages throughout Italy each have their own way of celebrating. As part of the celebration, displays of “presepe” (Nativity scenes) are an endearing tradition, and those in small towns and villages express the passion of their people like no other, reaching out with an intimacy that touches your heart.

In this spirit, we invite you to join us for a live online visit to the charming town of Cesenatico, on the Adriatic coast in Romagna, where we will view the town’s one-of-a-kind floating collection of life-sized presepe. We'll also meet the creators of this experience who will describe it to us (in English). 

The scenes, staged on boats in the town's canal, have been created by the collective work of local artists, the community and the only floating museum in Italy – Museo Galleggiante della Marineria. The visual effects of the handcrafted wood sculptures, dressed in textiles dipped in tinted wax, are further enhanced in the evening by the lighting of the boats. Their beauty and illuminated reflections on the sea create an engaging spiritual experience.

Inspired by the idea of Tinin Mantegazza, an extraordinary artist, the tradition began back in 1986. Along with Mino Savadori and Maurizio Bertoni, these craftsmen joined forces during many long nights to build what has become a work of love, imagination and passion. They started with a few figures including the Holy Family, and over the past 35 years, the collection has grown to include over 40 statues, which depict both spiritual stories as well as the life of the seaside town.

This event is offered for free as our holiday gift to you. If you would like to make a donation to Esperienza to support our mission and programs, please click here. 

NOTE: To sign up, click the “Register Now” button. Then complete the registration for your event by entering the information requested. You will receive an order confirmation and a Zoom meeting link via email once you have completed registration.