A programme full of events to experience the magic of Christmas
Castelsaraceno is preparing to experience a Christmas period full of activities, exhibitions and wonderful attractions to live the holidays with the magic that only the country between the two parks can transmit. A different Christmas than last years, full of vitality and liveliness, to welcome visitors and guide them to the discovery of the longest Tibetan Bridge in the world, dressed up for the occasion, passing through the illuminated streets of the village and the many events organized in the country.

Outdoor excursions and cultural activities at the Shepherdry Museum
The programme includes a series of outdoor activities for mountain lovers or simply for those who want to breathe in the uncontaminated air of Monte Alpi and Monte Raparo while enjoying their magnificent views. The “Natale Outdoor Experience” format includes excursions by quad, bike, e-bike and on foot every weekend until 9 January. These are wonderful experiences in which to lose yourself in unspoilt nature and experience the magic of Christmas in an alternative way, surrounded by the majesty of the Pollino Massif with its snow-capped peaks.
For those who want to enjoy their stay in Castelsaraceno amidst interesting cultural activities, the Museum of Shepherding opens its doors to visitors to discover the traditions and customs of the locals, but also to host fantasy and poetry writing workshops and theatrical performances for children. Children will also be the protagonists of the “Merenda con i produttori locali” (snack with local producers), an opportunity to taste local products together and listen to the stories of bakers, beekeepers, confectioners and farmers who will share the knowledge of the trades they keep, their working vocations and curiosities about production.
Christmas notes, a different kind of music in Castelsaraceno

The festivities in Castelsaraceno will light up with ‘Christmas Notes’, a programme that will brighten the Christmas season with concerts of classical-contemporary, gospel and electronic music. In addition to the Francavilla in Sinni band, which will spread the Christmas spirit through the town’s streets, two great artists will stop in Castelsaraceno and bring prestigious performances.
The Maestro Francesco Greco Ensemble will perform a concert show where the violin will be the absolute star of the stage. A show full of virtuosity and emotions, where the audience will be left breathless among the notes of a repertoire ranging from Christmas to classical, with anthology soundtracks.
As part of his Mediterranean tour 2021, Mirko Gisonte, a very talented guitarist from Lucania, will take us on a journey across the Mediterranean, starting from Basilicata, with its traditions and melodies, to Naples, and then on to Marrakech, the Sahara and Istanbul. This music aims to demonstrate how the music and sounds of Basilicata are nothing more than a fusion of melodies from all over the world, to show how the land of Basilicata has been and still is an important cultural centre.

The world’s longest Tibetan bridge lights up with magic
The village between the two parks dresses up for the festivities with the illuminations that light up the magic in the village and on the famous bridge. A light show that runs through the streets of Castelsaraceno and crosses the 586 metres of the longest Tibetan bridge in the world, offering an enchanting panorama, a column of light suspended over the Cogliandrino Valley.
Another major attraction will be the Exhibition of Cribs, organised by the Maratea branch of the Italian Association of Friends of the Crib, which has been operating since the early 1990s and has held numerous exhibitions (24 in winter and 24 in summer) attended by exhibitors from all over Italy and organised regional and inter-regional competitions.
The exhibition will run throughout the Christmas period and will retrace the strong southern tradition of nativity scene art, emphasising the peculiarities of Lucanian arrangements, including the use of moss typical of mountain areas.

From 8 December, an open-air show
The activities listed above are just some of the experiences that will be available in Castelsaraceno this winter. The period of events, shows and exhibitions will be inaugurated on 8 December with the switching on of the lights in the village streets and on the Bridge and the opening of the exhibition of cribs and Christmas markets that will accompany visitors until 9 January, the closing date of this rich programme.
The country between the two parks is therefore preparing to welcome tourists and is ready to light up with magic to offer a unique and unforgettable experience, to be lived with a group of friends or even with your family. On our website you will find a calendar of the many events to keep you up to date on the times and information of each activity.