✨ The Floating Nativity Scene of Cesenatico

Presepe della Marineria – November 30, 2025 to January 11, 2026

Text and images courtesy of VISITCESENATICO.IT

The magical lights of the Floating Nativity Scene (Presepe della Marineria) and the Christmas tree will be lit on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and remain on display until Sunday, January 11, 2026.

During this period, the entire Leonardesco Canal Port area will be adorned with festive lights: the “roof of stars” over Piazza Ciceruacchio, the big Christmas tree in Piazza Pisacane, and a warm, glowing atmosphere throughout the historic harbor.

🎄 The Story of the Floating Nativity Scene

This unique floating Nativity was first created in 1986, thanks to the vision of Guerrino Gardini and the artistic talents of Maurizio Bertoni and Mino Savadori, based on a concept by Tinin Mantegazza. The very first statues were the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men, followed by Saint James, the patron saint of Cesenatico.

Over the years, the installation has grown to include more than 50 figures, each telling a story of maritime life and local tradition: a puppeteer and his mini theater, fishermen, a piadina seller, an accordion player, angels, and — most recently — a sailor standing on the prow of a trabaccolo boat.

Each figure is handcrafted with exquisite detail:

• Faces, hands, and feet are carved from Swiss pine wood (cirmolo)

• The clothing is made of canvas, shaped with layers of heated wax on a metal mesh structure

• The color palette echoes the traditional dyes once used for sails and rigging wax

The result is breathtaking, especially when illuminated at night. The lights bring the entire scene to life, transforming the canal into a glowing, open-air stage.

Every year, a new character is added to the collection, making each visit special. From the original 7 statues in 1986, the Nativity now includes over 50 life-sized figures.

This unique scene is designed to be viewed from the banks of the canal, like the audience of a theater — and it’s when the sun goes down that the magic truly begins.

🏡 Where to Stay in Forlì – Just a Few Kilometers from Cesenatico and the Coast

Looking for a comfortable base to explore the Romagna region and the Christmas magic of Cesenatico?

We offer a fully equipped tourist apartment, ideal for couples, families or small groups:

✔️ 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5 + baby crib)
✔️ Free indoor parking + on-street parking in a quiet, safe area
✔️ Fully equipped kitchen with dining space and balcony
✔️ Spacious, bright living room
✔️ Modern bathroom with window
✔️ Close to the city center but outside the restricted traffic zone (ZTL)
🚆 Easy access to train station, airport, university, hospitals, and clinics
🌍 Just minutes from Cesenatico, Cesena, Faenza, Ravenna, Rimini, Bologna, the sea, and the hills

🔗 bbromagnamia.it