Il Mercatino di Natale

The Christmas season has begun in Trentino-Alto Adige. From around the end of November until December 23rd, Christmas markets spring up throughout the region. From Trento and Arco in Trentino to Bolzano, Bressanone and Merano in Alto Adige, the markets offer visitors a chance to shop for Christmas treasures, while strolling through the beautifully decorated streets and piazzas in each of the city centers. As expected, regional cuisine is well-represented, and visitors can try local dishes and specialties (my favorite is the Canederli!). Also, a visit would not be complete without a cup of Vin Brulé (or mulled wine), made with a local variety of red wine and spiced with a perfect combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The wine is heated in a large vat, a sign of its popularity, warming both the body and the soul as one drinks.

In Trento, the market has been growing since its inception about 18 years ago, the growth spurred on by an ongoing competition with its counter-part in Bolzano. Each year brings more and more stalls and vendors and events to the city. The markets have become so much of a local tradition in the area that, I am told, the school children in the region have the impression that these markets have been going on for centuries!

Il mercatino di natale - Trento

Markets in South Tyrol

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Feste Vigiliane

With the beginning of summer in Trento comes a 2 week-long festival, Feste Vigiliane, in honor of the patron saint of the city, San Vigilio. From daily expositions featuring local produce and cuisine, spirits and cheeses, and local arts and crafts to special events including artisan arts and demonstrations, parades and performances, and regional cultural displays, one can experience the various cultural aspects that make Trentino a unique region of Italy.

http://www.festevigiliane.it/

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Val di Fiemme

"From June 27th to July 4th, 'Herbs, Flowers and Flavors' week permits the admiration of these natural sights in the company of botanists, experts from local foresting groups and conservationists from the Parco Naturale di Paneveggio e Pale di San Martino. While walking, rare flowers will be discovered, natural amphiteaters will be explored and participants will learn to recognize floral alpine species. Daily excursions depart for Passo Lavazè, in Val Venegia. In the evening, nature surprises cuisine in the exhibition 'Dishes from the Meadow' that involves 6 restaurants in a fascinating gastronomic journey, regional dishes are accompanied creatively with flowers and herbs."

Links:

Italia è - 11 maggio
La settimana "Erbe, fiori e sapori" e il "Prato nel piatto"
Official Site - Val di Fiemme
Map - Val di Fiemme