Christmas special: the Feast of Santa Lucia

Today we take a little break from our wandering through the Italian regions and their Christmas traditions because we want to celebrate Santa Lucia with you.

There are many legends and traditions associated with this Saint, typical only of certain areas of Italy, but they fully fit in the Christmas atmosphere.

The story of the Saint and her martyrdom is bloody and cruel, but Saint Lucia is a feast for children. A day of gifts and sweets, that they will get if they were good during the year. Therefore the story we want to tell you is more similar to the one that is told to children.

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Veneto and its Christmas charm

And we are in Veneto today! Christmas is a charming time to visit this region full of traditions and beautiful towns.

Veneto is located in the north-eastern part of Italy. In the north the Alps create a crown for the flatland that extends to the seacoast. The coasts of the Adriatic Sea are characterized by the Venetian Lagoon, a flat terrain with ponds, marshes and islands.

But let’s start with the suggestive and huge shooting star that comes out from the Arena di Verona. It welcomes us to the Venetian Christmas. The star symbolizes the one which led the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. It is erected at Piazza Bra every year since 1984 and it has become an intrinsic part of the Christmas experience in Verona. The white iron structure reachs 70 metres height and weighs a staggering 78 tons.

The festivities in Veneto, before and during the Christmas Season, are focused on the cult of Saint Lucia. The Christmas Star that shoots out of the Arena creates a lively environment for the Santa Lussia Market. At this ancient market, you’ll find than 300 stalls of local handicrafts such as woolen goods and handmade soaps.

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19th Festa della Ceramica at Nove

The 19th Festa della Ceramica at Nove in Veneto dedicated to artistic ceramic started yesterday till September 19th.

Nove is located in an area rich of art and handicraft traditions and the event includes exhibitions, workshops, meetings and screenings.

The awaited Portoni Aperti event will be held on the 10th and 11th September, with over 80 artisans and artists from around the world exhibiting their works, directly involving the audience in “making pottery”.

For any further information visit: http://www.festadellaceramica. it