Italy cancels fairytale Christmas Markets

Rome: The fairytale Christmas markets in north Italy’s self-governing region of Trentino-Alto Adige have been cancelled due to the risks associated with covid-19.

Trento, the most famous Christmas market of them all, will not take place this year. Neither will the other well-known festive markets at Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno, reports Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.

The decision follows the latest emergency decree, announced by Giuseppe Conte on 18 October, to combat the spread of covid.-19. Although the legislation does make any specific reference to Christmas markets, it does prohibit local fairs and community festivals.

The 27th edition of the market in Trento, known as the City of Christmas, was due to begin on 21 November however the mayor Franco Ianaselli made the “difficult but necessary” decision to call off the popular annual event.

The cancellation will be a significant blow to the region’s local economy, with the Christmas markets normally attracting tens of thousands of tourists each festive season.

The Trento Christmas Market is perhaps the most spectacular, with around 100 wooden huts selling handicraft, festive decorations and food delicacies from the region.

The surrounding pine and fir trees are usually decorated with apples, nuts, gingerbread cookies and traditional alpine decorations, with the streets decked with Christmas lights and the air full of the spicy scents.