L'Italo-Americano

www.italoamericano.org 8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 L'Italo-Americano ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS PEOPLE ACTIVITIES T h e C h r i s t m a s market at Piaz- za Navona is a symbol of Rome' festive season and its history goes hand in hand with that of the city itself. The Piazza, famed for its Baroque art and architecture, includ- ing works by Bernini and Borromini, provides a histor- ical and visually stunning set- ting for the market: Piazza Navona has been the site of public gatherings and cele- brations for centuries, with Pope Innocent X playing a pivotal role in its transforma- tion during the 17th century. T h e P a m p h i l i f a m i l y , t o which Innocent X belonged, was instrumental in shaping the Piazza into the cultural landmark it is today. The origins of the square a s a m a r k e t s p a c e c a n b e traced back to the 15th centu- ry when the main city market was moved there from the C a m p i d o g l i o : t h e a r e a , known for its artisan trade, was a bustling commercial hub where craftsmen and vendors sold their goods. With Rome's annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870 and the city's subsequent expansion, the market even- tually relocated to Campo de' Fiori. However, a tradition emerged allowing the market at Piazza Navona to operate during the Christmas festivi- ties. This special exception h e l p e d i t e v o l v e i n t o t h e Christmas market we know and love today, a tradition that has been held for over a century. T h e s e a s o n a l e v e n t breathes life into this histori- c a l b a c k d r o p , w i t h s t a l l s beautifully decorated, lit up with festive lights, and filled with a wide variety of items from traditional Christmas decorations to handcrafted gifts. Sweet treats and savory delights offer a taste of Ital- ian Christmas, with porchet- ta sandwiches, ciambelle, a n d c a n d i e s a m o n g t h e favorites. The air is often filled with the inviting scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, warming the cool December air. The climax of festive cele- brations in Piazza Navona is the day of the Befana, the Italian Christmas witch who, according to folklore, visits children on the night of the Epiphany, delivering gifts or coal. On the 6th of January, the old friendly lady visits P i a z z a N a v o n a , a l r e a d y abundant with stockings and festive candies, to bring pre- sents and sweet coal - a very Italian thing! - to children. Despite the challenges over the years, including disrup- tions due to events like the C O V I D - 1 9 p a n d e m i c , t h e market remains a resilient s y m b o l o f R o m a n f e s t i v e spirit. If you feel particularly fes- tive, and enjoy the magic of Christmas, then you should v e n t u r e b e y o n d P i a z z a Navona, and seek more of Rome's seasonal delights: in a city this lively, it's not sur- prising to find several Christ- mas markets to explore, each with its distinct flavor. The Christmas market at Piazzale Ankara, for i n s t a n c e , o f f e r s a u n i q u e blend of festivity and philan- thropy, set amid the scenic backdrop of Villa Borghese g a r d e n s ; d o m i n a t e d b y a towering Christmas tree, the m a r k e t i s k n o w n f o r i t s antiques and fair-trade prod- ucts, but what makes it stand out is its charitable aspect, as all profits go to support wor- thy causes. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of stalls and e v e n a n i c e - s k a t i n g r i n k , making it an ideal spot for a family outing during the holi- day season. Mercato Monti is open all year round but takes on a distinctively festive air dur- ing the Christmas season. Located in the trendy Monti neighborhood close to the Colosseum, during the festive season this market becomes a hotspot for those seeking original gifts and avant-garde f a s h i o n , t h a n k s t o l o c a l young and creative artisans who sell their wares there. The market transforms into a C h r i s t m a s - t h e m e d s p a c e w h e r e R o m a n s c o m e t o search for unique holiday gifts. It's an opportunity to buy memorable souvenirs and enjoy the view of one of Rome's most iconic land- marks. T h e P i a z z a R i s o r g i - mento market near the Vati- can offers a more modern e x p e r i e n c e c o m p a r e d t o other traditional Christmas markets. It's a place where you can find contemporary home decor and handcrafted kitchenware, which makes it a perfect spot if you are look- ing for edgier gifts. On the other hand, the Christmas market at Piazza M a z z i n i , l o c a t e d i n t h e u p s c a l e P r a t i d i s t r i c t , i s known for its specialty in vin- tage finds and antiques: it's smaller and less crowded w h e n c o m p a r e d t o t h e grandeur of Piazza Navona's, w h i c h m a k e s i t i d e a l f o r those who prefer a quieter shopping atmosphere. The market is celebrated for its high-quality Christmas deco- rations and wooden crafts, offering a serene and sophis- t i c a t e d h o l i d a y s h o p p i n g experience. Last but not least in the array of Rome's events for the festive season is Christ- mas World brought to life by Lux, a magical realm filled w i t h s c e n i c i n s t a l l a t i o n s , markets, games, and live per- formances. Set against the stunning backdrop of Villa Borghese, this event invites visitors to journey into the enchanting world of Christ- mas. From ice skating to the toy factory and a plethora of live shows, Christmas World allows you to experience dif- f e r e n t c i t i e s t h r o u g h t h e characters that inhabit this festive village. It's a chance to r e l i v e c h e r i s h e d h o l i d a y memories associated with t h e c i t y o f R o m e , s t r o l l through Berlin under the Brandenburg Gate, get lost in London's market with Big Ben in view, be charmed by the magic of Paris and the lights of the Eiffel Tower, and whisk away to Tokyo or New York for a spin on the Rocke- feller Center ice rink. A must-visit destination within Christmas World is Santa's North Pole, master- fully recreated by talented set designers with a touch of o r i g i n a l i t y . A s y o u p a s s through the entrance, you'll feel like you've stepped into a movie, with countless elves bringing the village to life, interacting with and engag- ing the spectators. An excit- ing new addition this year is Holiday Street, an entire street featuring pop-style- themed booths related to the holiday theme. Then there is Safari, a luminous zoo inhabited by animals crafted using the intricate lantern technique of Zigong. Here, children can become explorers, thanks to c o s t u m e s a n d p r o p s , a n d experience a perfect adven- ture. Every day, Santa Claus himself walks through the village, accompanied by his elves on a little train to greet all the children. Markets bring a festive atmosphere to the streets of Rome CHIARA D'ALESSIO A view of Piazza Navona during the Christmas market (Photo: Stefano Valeri/Dreamstime) Christmas markets often sell seasonal arts and crafts pieces, just like these colorful "befane" (Photo: Only Fabrizio/Shutterstock)

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