Sant’Orso Fair in Aosta

It takes place on January 30 and 31 along the streets of the historic center of Aosta, next to and inside the Roman city walls. On display there is a bit of everything: sculptures and wood carving works; objects and tools in soapstone, leather, and wrought iron; sabot, the traditional wooden clogs; drap, the typical wool fabrics worked on ancient wooden looms; lace; wicker crafts; wooden tools used by farmers, winemakers, and other categories related to rural life. The Sant’Orso Fair boasts very ancient origins; already in the Middle Ages, it was held in the Borgo of Aosta, in the area surrounding the Collegiate Church, which bears the name of Sant’Orso. Legend has it that right here, the saint, who lived before the 9th century, used to distribute clothing and sabot to the poor. But today the Sant’Orso Fair in Aosta is also music, folklore, wine and local product tastings, traditional songs and dances, which continue into the long Veillà, the night between January 30 and 31, among the illuminated and crowded streets.