Fiera di Sant’Orso ad 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 utensils made of soapstone, leather, and wrought iron; sabot, the traditional wooden clogs; the drap, the typical wool fabrics worked on ancient wooden looms; lace; wicker crafts; wooden tools for the work of farmers, winemakers, and other categories related to rural life. The Fiera di Sant’Orso boasts very ancient origins; already in the Middle Ages it was held in the Borgo di 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 prior to the 9th century, used to distribute garments and clogs to the poor. But today the Fiera di Sant’Orso in Aosta is also music, folklore, tastings of wines and typical products, traditional songs and dances, which extend into the long Veillà, the night between January 30 and 31, among the illuminated and crowded streets.