Cribs on the Rimini Riviera - 2025

The tradition of nativity scenes

The Rimini Riviera, from the sea to the inland villages, during the Christmas period becomes a great itinerary in stages among sand Nativities, floating nativity scenes, artistic displays, and living re-enactments. An entire territory that, from the beach to the hills, hosts a capillary network of nativity scenes and scenographies, to be discovered day after day following lights, traditions, and creativity.

 

Rimini
In Rimini, in Piazzale Boscovich, the Artistic Sand Crib is back, a display that promises to be the most impressive ever. "Kolossal" is in fact the title of the 2025 edition, a monumental work of about 750 square metres entirely indoors. Eight international sand artists, from countries such as Spain, Turkey, Russia and Bulgaria, have combined their skills to create giant sculptural groups made of sand alone.

 

Misano Adriatico
Misano Adriatico, from 1 December to 20 January, presents an itinerary of mechanical and artistic nativity scenes, from the works of Walter Meluzzi and Anna Maria Tacchi to Ferdinando Righetti's mechanical nativity scene and the life-size nativity scene in Belvedere Park.

Cattolica
In Cattolica, in Piazza Mercato Coperto, one of the most spectacular nativity scenes on the Riviera returns: Leonardo's large nativity scene, made up of over four thousand statuettes and enriched by animated sets.

 

Riccione
The nativity scene set up on the historic fishing boat Saviolina, moored for all the holidays next to the Viale Dante bridge, will be back on 8 December, resplendent and festively dressed. A floating Nativity scene on the water that will make the evening atmosphere even more evocative.

 

Bellaria Igea Marina
The Monumental Nativity in Bellaria Igea Marina, the work of the international artists of Arenas Posibles, awaits you on 6 December at 4.30 pm in Piazza Alda Merini for the grand opening. Tall and highly detailed sand sculptures bring the Nativity and its scenes to life, in an evocative itinerary just a few steps from the sea, perfect for a winter walk with the whole family.

 

Santarcagelo di Romagna
From the coast, we move on to the hinterland where, once again this year, Santarcangelo celebrates Christmas in the Places of the Soul, with a focus on tradition and the traditional mechanical nativity scene set up by the Gualtieri family in the grotto in Piazza Balacchi.

 

Pennabilli
Pennabilli prepares to live tradition with the Great Crib on the Cliff, one of the most eagerly awaited Christmas events in the Rimini hinterland. From 8 December to 6 January, the town becomes a real festive setting, with large Nativity scenes up to 4 metres high dominating the cliff and illuminated even during the night, creating an intense and contemplative atmosphere on the surrounding landscape.

 

Coriano
The Chiesina degli Orfani (Little Church of the Orphans) in Coriano opens its doors to a very special display: a mechanical nativity scene in motion, all to be discovered. The crib animates the Nativity with plays of light and small scenes that move, creating a continuous story to be observed throughout the Christmas festivities. A perfect appointment for families, the curious and lovers of traditional nativity scenes.

 

Montefiore Conca
The Living Crib is back in Montefiore Conca, in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with the reconstruction of numerous scenes of life related to the Nativity.On Friday 26 December, Sunday 28 December and Thursday 1 January 2026, the old town centre is transformed into a small Bethlehem, enveloped in an evocative atmosphere.

 

Sant'Agata Feltria
Stroll through enchanted streets, listening to the sound of bagpipes and admiring handcrafted nativity scenes, a perfect fusion of art and tradition. Here, every corner of the village becomes a small stage set: from the mediaeval alleys to the squares, the handmade nativities tell stories of faith, creativity and collective memory, inviting you to slow down and experience Sant'Agata Feltria as a large diffuse nativity scene.

 

San Giovanni in Marignano
Nativity scenes set up in squares, churches and public places: a tradition that enriches the town with artistic works and creations by local volunteers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

 

San Leo
Along the Saint Francis Walk, discover artistic nativity scenes displayed in convents, churches and fortresses. Visit the nativity scene created by catechism children in the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the classical one with plaster statues in the Cathedral of San Leo, immersed in the unique atmosphere of the village.