Slovenia’s Postojna Cave transforms into magical live nativity scene

The underground world of the Postojna Cave in Slovenia is fascinating in its own right, but during Christmas time it provides an especially stunning setting for a unique live Nativity show.

Held for the 35th time, the 90-minute show features more than a hundred performers and 18 biblical scenes, accompanied by angelic singing echoing through the subterranean caverns in an almost mystical atmosphere, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The stalactites and stalagmites, formed during millions of years, are illuminated in soft light to bring out their beauty.

Postojna Cave is 24 kilometres long, and the show is staged along a five-kilometre route, which includes a cave train ride and a walk past the unfolding scenes of baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels and the three kings.

This year, outstanding musicians and vocalists from Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, as well as young talents, perform timeless Christmas favourites such as Ave Maria and Silent Night. The line-up includes Italian tenor Ivan Defabiani and Croatian soprano Leonarda Kavedžić.

Since the first performance in 1989, the live Nativity scene has been inextricably linked with the local community. Most of the performers come from Postojna and the surrounding area, and every year they help create the scenes, portray Biblical characters, and bring authenticity and warmth to the event. Many have been participating for decades.

"I visited the live Nativity scene as a child, and now I have the opportunity to participate myself, which means a lot to me. This year especially, because I'm performing with my sister - we're both playing Mary, so I can say that the live Nativity scene has become part of our family's Christmas tradition," one of the actors, Iza Željković, has been quoted as saying by the cave operator.

Following the premiere organised for the press, live Nativity performances will take place daily between 25 and 30 December, starting from 1:30 pm.

The live Nativity show draws about 23,000 visitors to the Postojna Cave every year, over half from abroad. The company operating the cave estimates the sight will have attracted roughly 940,000 visitors this year.

As reported by CE Report, Slovenia adopted stricter sick leave checks to curb absenteeism.

Photo: Bor Slana/STA