The ancient Saint Orso craft fair in Aosta

Every year the city of Aosta is home to the Saint Orso Fair dedicated to the Aosta Valley craft work.

This year the fair is held on the 30th and 31st of January, with artisans coming from all over the region.

The fair has a long tradition that dates back to 1000. Legend tells that all began in the area of Saint Orso Church. Just opposite the church, the Saint, who lived before the ninth century, used to distribute clothing and “sabot”, the traditional wooden clogs still sold at the Fair, to the poor.

The favorite material is wood in all its forms, but there are also artisans of metals, ceramics and fabrics.

Aosta is transformed and visitors are transported into a world of gestures handed down from generation to generation.

For more info www.fieradisantorso.it

Pistoia and its secret beauty

This weekend we were in Pistoia always looking for new stories about artisans and territories and cities to explore.

Pistoia is just 30 km from Florence and it is easily reached by train or car. It is also a good start for a visit of other famous surroundings, above all the Health SPA of Montecatini and the towns of Lucca and Pisa.

The main occasion was the visit of the Arts & Crafts fair held in the former Brera factory right outside the train station. Here we made some interesting encounters, between the Tuscan tradition and the emerging youth.

Continue reading Pistoia and its secret beauty

L’Artigiano in Fiera 2016: the world celebration of craftsmen

Every year in the first week of December, the City of Milan celebrates craftsmen and their creations from more than twenty years.

L’Artigiano in Fiera is the most important event in the world that shows the beauty and goodness of arts and trades. The program of the largest handicraft international event this year foresees many news: from music and folk dances to creativity courses. The fair will take place from 3rd till 11th December at Fieramilano Rho-Pero, every day from 10.00am until 10.30pm.

In nine days, thousands of artisans from all continents will exhibit their unique, authentic and original products. The handicraft traditions will be protagonist of the event, as well as the ever innovation attitude of an increasing number of young people who decide to engage in the industry. The path between the talent and originality also unfold between the areas dedicated to fashion, creativity, furnishing.

A layout subdivided into territories (Africa, America, Asia, Europe and all Italian regions) and themed halls (Home Living, Fashion&Design and Creative Passion).

Here you can find the expert hands of artisans of wood, the passion of the masters of the handmade and ideas of young people demonstrate that the mix of tradition and innovation is the recipe to achieve excellence.

Furthermore, the event promotes a human-oriented economy. The protagonists here are craftsmen, entering a network of relations among companies, which together with Ge.Fi. S.p.A., are seeking to launch a shared development model. The Artisan Fair will promote, finally, the participation of enterprises from the regions victims of the recent earthquakes in the central Italy.

As the last year, we are ready to take a look… Follow us on our Instagram and Facebook accounts with live updates!