The pageant – the largest of its kind in Melbourne, and potentially Australia - will take place from December 21 to 23, and the closing night will be televised across the globe by Rai International.
The annual event was held for 10 consecutive years at St Mary’s Primary School in Thornbury; however, it soon outgrew the space and was relocated to St Peter’s last year.
The spectacle attracted around 40,000 people last year, while 550 volunteers participated.
The man behind the colossal event is Northcote music store proprietor and conductor, Virgilio Marcianò.
Hailing from a small town called Corigliano d'Otranto in the province of Lecce (Apulia), Mr Marcianò moved to Australia in September, 1967.
As September ended and November passed, Mr Marcianò was saddened to see that the true Christmas spirit wasn’t as present here as it was in Italy, and was inspired to bring something a little more authentic than the Myer window display to Melbourne.
“I wanted to create something a little less commercial and with a real Christmas feel,” he says.
Mr Marcianò set out to hunt down genuine props from all over the country to build his very own Bethlehem, and what he couldn’t find he made.
Since then, the list of props has continued to grow, and they now fill six shipping containers to the brim.
With around 20 authentic Roman chariots, a castle complete with treasure, traditional Roman soldier costumes “better than those at the Colosseum”, and outfits for around 350 volunteers, the execution of the ancient commune requires the help of hundreds.
But come December 21, all of the hard work will have paid off as the awe-inspiring show comes to life.
“You can experience a whole village from 2000 years ago and we showcase everything from that era,” Mr Marcianò says.
Volunteers dressed in period attire become blacksmiths, bakers, shoemakers, potters, shepherds and winemakers for the event, portraying a scene reminiscent of ancient Palestine.
Bethlehem is a one-way city, culminating in the living Nativity scene, complete with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the angel, and the Three Wise Men who are accompanied by three towering camels transported from Adelaide especially for the event.
The stable also hosts an array of less exotic farm animals, from chickens to goats, ducks and sheep, which is always the highlight of the show for children.
Speakers dot the pathway through Bethlehem, sounding choir music from Palestrina near Rome, to create a truly moving moment.
“Anywhere you walk, the choir is softly sounding behind you, and people are often brought to tears by the atmosphere,” Mr Marcianò says.
Speaking of music, thousands of visitors will evidently mean a little wait to enter Bethlehem.
But not to worry – live singers and bands will play outside the ancient village, while a BBQ, nibblies and drinks will keep you occupied.
If an evening in Bethlehem isn’t enough, you can also purchase a variety of red and white Walk Through Bethlehem wines to open on Christmas Day, or take home one of the calendars complete with the Bethlehem story and images from last year’s event.
Mr Marcianò’s dream to bring the true meaning of Christmas to Australia seems to have come to fruition, and with entry by gold coin donation, this event is entirely for the enjoyment of its visitors.
“Lots of different cultures and religions come together, and that’s what I want,” Mr Marcianò says.
“People can pay whatever they want; we’ve got people that put in nothing and people that put in $50, but any little bit helps.”
For more information, visit the Walk Through Bethlehem website or Facebook page.
