Sant’Agata Feltria is a small town about an hour south of Bologna, famous for its castle, Rocca Fregoso, and its Christmas market. A visit to this town is like a walk through a Christmas postcard and a visit to the wonderful world of fairy tales.
Every year, from the end of November to the end of December, the streets of the historic center are filled with stalls, lights, colors and scents that evoke the Christmas atmosphere. You can find typical local products, such as truffles, local cheeses like “fossa”, honey and sweets, as well as local crafts, antiques and tree decorations. The market is also an opportunity to enjoy music, theater and entertainment for children.
The highlight of the event is the visit of “Babbo Natale,” the Italian version of Santa Claus, who arrives in his horse-drawn sleigh and distributes gifts to the little ones.
Sant’Agata Feltria is an ideal destination for those who want to experience a magical and traditional Christmas, immersed in the charm of a medieval village.
The event, which has become the most important winter event in central Italy for Christmas market enthusiasts, attracts thousands of visitors who come from all over. Gift ideas, artistic handicrafts and tasteful decorations are offered in the extensive exhibition, all wrapped in an atmosphere full of charm and ancient traditions.
As visitors walk through the streets and squares, they can listen to the sweet and characteristic sound of bagpipes, a musical instrument typically associated with mountain villages in bygone days, and at the same time admire the enchanting handcrafted creche and nativity scenes widely exhibited.
The “Santa Claus House” is set up in the market square, not far from which is the home of the “Elves”; events are organized around these, particularly aimed at elementary school children. On the side of Santa’s House, of course, is placed the enclosure of the reindeer chosen to pull the wonderful sleigh, here arrived from distant Lapland. The patient animals, after their long journey, rest before the big push when they can resume their long journey to deliver the surprises hidden in their magic sleigh.
Over the course of the event, performances related to the oldest traditions are presented: bagpipers, Santa’s band and Christmas music create a festive yet traditional atmosphere redolent of ancient memories.
What would Christmas be without its special foods? The fair offers the opportunity to rediscover dishes of the local tradition, those that most typify the Christmas season. On the days of the events restaurants, trattorias and inns offer a gastronomic itinerary called “The Advent Dishes,” prepared in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Sant’ Agata Christmas. The tasty treats can also be enjoyed in the cozy pavilion of the “Manger,” a large covered and heated stand located inside the fairgrounds.
But what makes Christmas in this charming village is the La Rocca Delle Fiabe museum dedicated to fairy tales, housed in the rooms of the Rocca Fregoso castle. The museum aims to introduce people to the world of fairy tales, showing their underlying rules, narrative structures, examples and themes addressed in other parts of the world.
The exhibition is developed along four paths: Scarpe, Scarpine e Scarpette, (a reconstruction of a ballroom); Enchanted Traveler (dedicated to travel stories, from The Little Prince to Peter Pan); Lonely Castellan (about monarchs and the holders of power); and Children in the Forest (inspired by fairy tales that take place in the woods).
Whether you’re a kid or a grownup, when the magic of Christmas comes together with the wonder of fairy tales the attraction is irresistible.
For more information: https://www.prolocosantagatafeltria.com/eventi/
