I mercatini di Natale (Christmas Markets) are a special tradition, but their origins come from outside of Italy. In fact, they actually come from Central Europe, specifically Germany and Austria. Given the geographic, historical, linguistic, and cultural proximity of Germany and Austria to the North-Eastern regions of Italy — it is no surprise that Christmas markets have taken root so easily and successfully in Italy. And that all started in Trentino-Alto Adige.
The Forerunners and All the Other Ones (An Inevitably Partial List)
To be historically accurate, the first Italian Christmas market—the Fiera di Santa Lucia—was born in Bologna at the end of the 16th century. The Fiera is still more alive than ever. Every year, from mid-November, a series of stalls sprawls under the UNESCO Portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi. However, the “typical Italian edition” Christmas Markets —the way we picture them: magical vibe, people having strudel and vin brulé, possibly surrounded by snowy mountains— were born much more recently, that is, in the Nineties. The first ones (and still among the most beloved) were in Bolzano, Merano,Vipiteno, and Bressanone, all cities located in the Alto Adige/Südtirol area. Other very famous ones are in Trento and, all the way down the penisola, the Market of Via San Gregorio Armeno, in Napoli, which features gorgeous, handcrafted nativity scenes and figurines. In between: the Milano’s Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Market; the Market in Gubbio, where you can also admire the supposedly world’s largest albero di Natale (Christmas Tree), the Market in Piazza Santa Croce, in Firenze, that combines German and Italian traditions; the famous and beloved-by-locals Mercato di Piazza Navona, in Roma, which reaches its peak (also in terms of crowds) for the Epiphany —January 6h.
What To Do (and Buy, and Eat) at Christmas Markets
The most typical thing to do at Christmas Markets is to stroll around and soak into them! The best piece of advice is to enjoy the lights, the smell of food, the sugary scent of vin brulé, the usual or unusual goods on sale, the cold, and all the Christmas paraphernalia. As for “typical” things to eat, it all depends on where you are. Food and drinks go gradually from most to least German-inspired just by moving from North to South. Things to buy go from hand-crafted gems by local artisans to things you can buy wherever (minus the romantic vibe of the mercatino). A very classic thing Italians buy at Christmas Markets (where else, after all?) are Christmas lights and ornaments. But again, more than what you buy is what you experience. So, don’t be afraid to make your way among the crowd, and just enjoy the magia!
By Claudia Quesito
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