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The Living Nativity in Postojna Cave is the first and largest Living Nativity in Slovenia and one of the most recognisable Christmas events worldwide.

»The locals’ active participation is the heart of the show. This is more than just an event hosted by the town of Postojna and Postojna Cave; it is an event that the locals live and breathe. For decades, the Living Nativity has been bringing together generations, families and friends, who perform with a sincerity that is impossible to fake and act out,« points out the President of the Management Board of Postojna Cave, Marjan Batagelj.

A unique performance in the world’s largest natural underground theatre

More than one hundred performers bring to life eighteen Biblical scenes, experienced by visitors during a journey that combines a ride on the legendary cave train with a walk through the most impressive cave halls. Outstanding vocal, instrumental and dance performances, together with delicately designed costumes and magical light set design, merge into a production remarkable both in scale and emotional depth.

The unique quality of the performance stems from the artistic concept developed by director Lidija Bernik and producer Janez Jordan of the Magic Theatre Serpentes. They based this year’s artistic concept on Virgin Mary’s archetypal story:

»We see it as an echo of the ancient tradition of the great mother goddess, as a story about the divine nature of creativity and motherhood and its feminine, compassionate dimension, which is often pushed into the background of modern interpretations of the Christmas story. We want the nativity scenes to become a place of tenderness and hope, but also a place of inner transformation.«

For Bernik and Jordan, the cave is more than just a backdrop; it is a living being with which they enter into a creative dialogue, the cave becoming an integral part of the show. They have created a symbolic pilgrimage journey, a dialogue between man, art and space shaped by time:

»We draw on the principle of a holistic work of art, similar to the way it was understood by medieval cathedral masters back in the day. The cave becomes a living work of art – a natural cathedral in which light, music and movement come together, creating a single experience. The cave provides us with an extraordinary experience of creating in direct dialogue with nature. Its presence is not passive; it acts as a living being that breathes hand in hand with art. Every single echo, each shade of light, a drop of water that falls from the cave’s ceiling, all of this becomes part of the performance,« say the two creators.

Outstanding soloists and exceptional young talents

This year’s edition is marked by an exceptional international vocal ensemble.

Soprano Mojca Bitenc and her husband, baritone Domen Križaj, are recipients of numerous awards and regularly perform in leading opera houses, collaborating with renowned orchestras and choirs. Alongside their intensive musical education at home and abroad, both also graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Ljubljana. Together, they perform the closing duet The Prayer, one of the most beautiful pop-opera ballads.

“We are inspired by the excellent acoustics and the grandeur of the cave, which gives a feeling of eternity. Our song The Prayer, when performed in the cave, it sounds really powerful.”

Italian opera singer Ivan Defabiani adds a contemplative dimension with his moving interpretation of The Lord’s Prayer. A distinguished lyric tenor who performs across Italy and Europe has appeared at numerous Christmas events, including a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Rome in the presence of the Pope. He is performing in Postojna Cave for the third time:  

»I love coming back to this magnificent venue and show that features such exceptional artists. The beautiful music, faith and the cave’s magic bring people together in a moving way, creating that genuine spirit of Christmas.«

Young Croatian lyric soprano Leonarda Kavedžić offers moments of gentleness and warmth with her ethereal, melancholic interpretation of Caccini’s Ave Maria. She is a master’s student of solo singing at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana and an active concert performer, regularly competing at international competitions where she has received numerous awards.

“Christmas is my favourite time of year – it’s when I feel peace, fulfilment and inspiration. I have the feeling that during this time people listen with their whole hearts, so I want my interpretation to give the listeners a moment of gratitude, warmth and inner tenderness.”

Alongside them perform young musical talents courageously stepping up on the big stages.

Kira Štruc Jurički is a promising young Slovenian singer with a strong and maturely articulated voice, became famous as a finalist of the talent show competition Slovenia’s Got Talent, and also attracted attention in the show Supertalent Croatia. In the Nativity scene, she sings Silent Night in a duet with talented young vocalist Tara Demšar Toplak, who is studying solo singing and gaining recognition at youth competitions. Despite her young age, she already shows strong potential for a professional career.

Croatian cellist Ana Miculinić, a student at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, regularly refines her skills abroad and has received numerous awards.

»Postojna Cave is without a doubt the most unusual venue I have ever performed in. Good preparation involves several layers of clothing, taking enough time to ‘accustom’ the instrument to the change in temperature and humidity. And then you need to completely surrender to the acoustics of this extraordinary, mystical space.«

Young Slovenian harpist Dominika Kastelic, also a student at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, regularly participates in national and international competitions. With the harmonious sound of the harp, she welcomes visitors across the Russian Bridge into the Beautiful Caves, where the Biblical scenes continue. She performs Lady Shalott by Alise Marie and Scarborough Fair by Anne Crosby Gaudet.

And many more promising young musicians at the beginning of their professional journeys.

The heart of the performance is the local community

Since its first performance in 1989, the Living Nativity in Postojna Cave has been inseparably linked to the local community. Residents of Postojna and the surrounding area portray Josephs and Marys, kings, angels and shepherds, bringing authenticity and warmth that deeply resonates with audiences. For many, participation has become a long-standing tradition, and December without the Living Nativity is almost unimaginable.

Their stories, filled with personal memories and pride, confirm that the event has become part of Postojna’s identity. Many have been part of it for decades; some first stepped onto the stage as children and now return as adults in new roles.

“I would go and see the Living Nativity even back when I was still a little kid; and now I have the opportunity to be part of it myself, which really means a lot to me. This year even more so because I’m performing with my sister – we're both Marys, so I can say that the Living Nativity has become part of our family’s Christmas tradition.” – Iza Željković, who is playing the part of Mary in the Nativity scene for the second year in a row.

“For me, performing in the Living Nativity is a great honour because I can represent our beautiful cave and the place I come from in front of visitors from all over the world.” – Gašper Rebec, a young local performer, about his first participation in the Living Nativity play.

A demanding production in a unique environment

The production management of this project is a complex endeavour due to numerous environmental, technical and safety requirements, as well as a strict cave etiquette. Project manager, Dragan Kiković, has pointed out the following:

»Because of its complexity, preparations actually take place all year round, and the most intense part is from early autumn onwards. The large number of team members does not allow for improvisation. Every scene, every single minute of the show and the movements of more than a hundred performers must be coordinated with great precision, even during preparations and during rehearsals. Logistics and communication are two major challenges. More than a hundred team members work together in the cave, and the methods of communication underground are rather ‘analogue’. However, this way of working bonds us in a special way; a sense of community is established and time passes at a different pace. The people involved in the project are locals, professional creators/performers and Postojna Cave employees – people who come from different backgrounds, but are united by their dedication to this event. It is this bond and their immense enthusiasm that allows the flawless organisation at the highest level.«

Director Lidija Bernik and producer Janez Jordan of the Magic Theatre Serpentes added the following:

“The thing that requires the most patience is technical set-ups and safety coordination. As for creativity, you need it most when it comes to finding ways to prepare something different, new, innovative on the very same theme year after year, while also making sure it keeps the warmth and charm of the original story. Directing and coordinating the many elements that make up the Living Nativity – music, dance, acting, lighting effects, costume design, make-up and hairstyles, and everything that this entails – is a challenging and responsible job. But after the work is finished, a feeling of gratitude and fulfilment prevails every year.”

An event with international reach

The Living Nativity in Postojna Cave attracts visitors from all over Slovenia, across Europe and beyond. Each year, more than 23,000 visitors attend the performances over six days. Last year, 40.4% of visitors were Slovenian and the rest (59.6%) were from other countries. Traditionally, most foreign visitors come from Italy, followed by Croatia, Austria, Hungary and Germany. In total, visitors arrive from 52 different countries.

The event has become one of the most recognisable stories of Slovenian tourism – a creative and contemporary interpretation of sacred tradition, combined with natural heritage and musical and performing arts into a truly exceptional experience.

More than a performance

This year’s Living Nativity in Postojna Cave carries a message of love, hope and the miracle that unites us, reflecting a desire for peace and a more compassionate world – values that resonate particularly strongly today.

What visitors need to know

The Living Nativity performances take place between 25 and 30 December every year. There are 16 performances every day from 13:30 onwards.

Each performance lasts 90 minutes and includes a visit of Postojna Cave and a ride on the legendary cave train.

Due to the nature of the tour, seeing the Living Nativity show is not suitable for in wheelchaired visitors.

The ticket also includes a 50% discount on tickets to Predjama Castle, the Vivarium and the Expo Cave Karst exhibition.

As the number of tickets is limited, advance online purchase is strongly recommended:

https://www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/postojna-cave/the-living-nativity-in-postojna-cave/

In front of the cave entrance, visitors can also enjoy an accompanying programme, including the Christmas stalls offering a variety of food & drink options. And the youngest visitors will no doubt love seeing the sheep – animals traditionally associated with Christmas.