The origins of the tradition of Christmas markets
The tradition of the Christmas market, rather new to Italy, was born in the distant fifteenth century in Germany, in Dresden, where the first Christmas Market was inaugurated in 1434. The origins are to be found in domestic, artisanal works, which in Northern Europe were made in the warmth of the houses during winter, unable to work in the fields due to the cold, along with the custom of giving gifts at Christmas: thus the so-called Striezelmarkt, later Christkindlmarkt, spread like wildfire, and in the twentieth century it also arrived in Alto Adige and from there to all of Italy.
Christmas holidays in Sabina, snow and Christmas markets near Rome
The Residenze del Borgo di Cicignano offer a unique location to spend the Christmas holidays. The glimpse of the snow-capped mountains in the surroundings, which almost seem to embrace this medium hill, transports you to an enchanted atmosphere. And the Christmas atmosphere, lively and cheerful, of the Christmas markets, is perhaps less spiritual, but quite a bit of fun and in full harmony with what Christmas represents for many families: the joy of being together, the pleasure of finding small gifts for loved ones that will make them smile. Yes, but where do we find the Christmas markets in Sabina?
Greccio, or rather the village of Christmas
From Cicignano, less than an hour’s drive takes you directly to the Borgo del Natale into which Greccio transforms itself between early December and the 6th of January. After all, Greccio is a symbolic place of Christianity, and this value is heightened during Christmas, with the re-enactment of the first Nativity scene, created here by Saint Frances with the help of his friend Giovanni Velita in 1223.
This village irresistibly reminded him of Bethlehem, and the representation of the Nativity allowed him to witness the coming into the world of the Child. In homage to this, and to perpetuate this tradition of which, of course, the citizens of Greccio are very proud, the celebration of a living nativity scene is staged every year.
We suggest you book your place in advance through the representational offices of the living nativity scene. This celebration is quite famous and a large number of people flock here, not only from Rome and Lazio but from all over Italy.
However, the Christmas village is not just about faith: Santa Claus awaits the little ones with his Elves and mailboxes for letters and as the Epiphany gets closer and closer, he is replaced by a very affectionate Befana (kindly old witch).
A visit to the permanent museum of nativity scenes from all over the world, exhibited in Greccio, is also a must see.
In Collalto Sabino, where Santa Claus created his magical station
Moving on a little we climb up to a thousand meters of altitude. You know when children turn into little boys and girls, and puberty takes the place of childhood, and reasoning and logic begin to replace enchantment and naivety? It is not unusual, then, to see children who persist in believing in fairy tales, and who provide rationale for the sweet childhood stories they do not want to abandon.
Who knows, perhaps the legend of Collalto Sabino as one of the magical stations of Santa Claus’, who, faced with the increase in the number of good children, needed to rest every now and then, stems from this. And, among other things, it is not difficult to believe that Rudolph the reindeer may have found himself well here, as the story goes.
On festive days, children deliver letters to Santa Claus in person, stroll through the village on the back of a horse or a pony, in a small Lapland subbranch. An atmosphere, or rather a magical station!
In the province of Rome, the Christmas markets in Palombara Sabina and Montorio Romano “Incanto di Natale” (Christmas Enchantment) is the Montorio event of the Christmas holidays. A Santa Claus village welcomes children and entertains them while receiving their letters and listening to their wishes, as the typical songs of the holiday period resound everywhere, contributing to the general joy.
Meanwhile, in Palombara Sabina, that jolly old man with the red jacket settles in the Savelli Castle, in a setting of fun and conviviality.
Perhaps, in talking to you about the main attractions of the markets, full of Santas, elves and ponies, we have neglected what is considered the characteristic of every market and that pampers not only children, but all ages: the rows of stands, kiosks and stalls exhibiting goods of all kinds, from local crafts, fabrics, jewels, wooden and wicker products to local gastronomy products, such as cured meats, jams, legumes, olive oil and wine, sweets… Where stress in buying gifts doesn’t exist, because the bag of donuts for the sweet-toothed sister, the salami for the gourmet grandfather, the embroidered tablecloth for the perfect cousin, are incomparable. You will find the ideal gift for everyone, making them happy and, above all, you will treat yourself to perfect moments.
