Frasassi Gorge is home to Italy's most spectacular caverns, le Grotte di Frasassi, and it also has one of Italy's most suggestive living nativity pageants or presepe vivente, Genga Nativity Scene. More than 300 actors participate in the event, held on December 26 and 30, that recreates not only the Christmas nativity but also everyday life of the period with actors playing craftsmen, bakers, and artisans. The procession at dusk is very moving as people climb up the hill in this beautiful natural setting for 15-20 minutes to arrive at the sanctuary.
Genga Nativity Scene is put on by the community of Genga, a group of towns in central Italy's Marche region that includes the Frasassi Regional Nature Park, and proceeds from the five euro admission are donated to charity.
One year I hope to make it to the Grotto for Christmas!