On Saturday and Sunday the historic center of Domodossola is transformed into a place full of magic: the “Christmas Markets” are back. Event now in its twenty-fourth edition, promoted by the Municipality and organized by the offices of the Trade and Tourism departments.
This year, to ensure distance and safety, the number of stalls has dropped from two hundred to 130. The red-roofed wooden houses will embellish the streets and squares of the Borgo della Cultura throughout the weekend. The route winds along the Repubblica dell’Ossola, Rovereto, Mercato and Chiossi squares, then via Faccini and via Osci, Beltrami, Giavina and Carina (visitors must wear a mask). Opening at 9 and closing at 18.30. The Domesi markets are very popular with lovers of the sector and visitors from all over Northern Italy are expected during the two days.
Canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the stalls return this year with a rich program to serve as a side dish. Saturday, throughout the day, there will be the notes of the duo “Trallallà” and the “Otto street band”.
On the market stalls, displayed for sale, handicraft products in wood or fabric, many handmade that can become good gift ideas. Also on sale the best of hobbies and crafts and many food and wine products starting with wines, meats and cheeses. Between the stalls you can experience a party atmosphere, halfway between folklore and local history. All surrounded by colorful installations and Christmas lights with the large tree acting as a guardian in the center of the characteristic Piazza Mercato.
The Domodossola Christmas markets also want to be an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day in the company of family or friends. Yes, because the weekend also offers entertainment with live shows and a well-stocked refreshment point.
On Saturday starting at 2.30 pm the courtyard of the town hall offers magic, acrobatics and juggling shows; the garden of the Rosmini college instead hosts the Ossola Museums association with a demonstration of wood carbonization by Riccardo Monte. The first day of markets ends at 9 pm with the performance of the musical association of Sacro Monte Calvario in the parish church of Santi Gervaso e Protaso.
The party atmosphere returns on Sunday. At 9 am the curtain rises: with the reopening of the markets, the Christmas music of the bagpipes of the «Duo Ance» arrives in the square. An atmosphere designed to give emotions of the past. Also suggestive are the corners of the historical center of Domese which will host the songs of the Gaudium Choir and the music of the Civic body of music.
In the evening, however, the appointment moves to the collegiate church with the concert of «Ottoni all’opera» with the instrumentalists of the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra and the participation of the tenor Michele Mauro. On weekends the museum of Palazzo San Francesco is also open with these times: 10-12 and 15-18.