Maritime Crib in Cesenatico

Cesenatico has held a truly distinctive event for 37 years, the "floating nativity scene of the Marineria." An ancient tradition dating back to 1986 and created by artists Maurizio Bertoni and Mino Savadori, set up on historic boats belonging to the collection of the Maritime Museum. This is a huge intangible heritage linked to the identity of Cesenatico; the first statue made after those depicting the Holy Family and the Three Kings was that of St. James, Patron Saint of Cesenatico. Over the years, the sculptures have increased, depicting picturesque and typical characters of seafaring life. The 50 statues that make up the nativity scene are made from materials pertinent to the seafaring tradition; pine wood to create faces, hands and feet, cloth fabrics with draperies made using wax to create the clothes, which are colored with the dyes generally used in dyeing sails. On the first Sunday in December, the "lighting ceremony" takes place in which the Christmas tree and the crib are lit, creating a unique show of lights and music. An exciting scene immersed in the Christmas atmosphere.