Christmas time

In December we have several pre-Christmas fairs in our town. Before the 6th of December there is a big market in the pedestrian zone called s. Nicolò 's fair. S. Nicolò is celebrated only in Trieste as part of an old tradition left from the Austrian empire. On the night of the 6th of December S. Nicolò leaves presents for all the children in the fire place just like Father Christmas or Santa Claus does on the night of 24th of December in the rest of the world including Trieste. So the children of Trieste are very lucky, indeed San Nicolò or Santa Clause calls twice to deliver presents in December. However, in the rest of Italy, excluding Trieste, children recieve the second ration of their presents on the 6th of January brought to them by the good and kind witch called "Befana".

In addition to the Christmas markets there are many other activities going on around the town during the festivities. Many stalls offer samples of local, regional, national and internationale specialities to suit any palate. The streets are decorated and illuminated to attract Christmas shoppers. The town is alive especially towards the evening. In the last few years young people and some not so young, have been able to enjoy skating in a small ice-rink in the center. In addiction, the season offers spectacles, concerts and exibitions all over the city and its surroundings. It is certainly a joyful period of the year.

Stefania (3B)