Between December and January, the villages of Valtiberina come alive with artistic nativity scenes, illuminations and living representations of the nativity. Here are three events not to be missed in the home of the Renaissance masters, to spend the Christmas holidays in the intimate atmosphere that distinguishes the historic centers and hamlets of Sansepolcro, Anghiari and Monterchi.
Anghiari Si Accende (Anghiari lights up) is an event that takes place in the alleys of the historic center of Anghiari: for the occasion, the artificial street lighting is turned off to make way for hundreds of lit candles, creating a unique and evocative atmosphere.
The Exhibition of Nativity Art - City of Sansepolcro was born in 2019 from an idea of the Accademia Enogastronomica della Valtiberina (Valtiberina Food and Wine Institute). The various artists exhibiting are mostly self-taught, who have learned this art by experimenting and devoting time and a lot of passion. The association in a few years has managed to create an event of national caliber, with “Nativity Master Artists” from all over Italy. The exhibition finds space in the beautiful Church of Santa Maria dei Servi and the former school Luca Pacioli. An event that has become a reference point in the Christmas season, for those who love this art but also for families and children.
Since 2005 at the Ripa of Le Ville in Monterchi, a living nativity scene has been organized along the streets of the village: it is an evocative route of about one kilometer with multiple scenes and more than 200 people. The warm atmosphere full of feeling infuses visitors with a full sense of peace and contentment in line with the Christmas holiday season.