CANDLE FEST AT CANDELARA
The quaintly named Candelara (place of candles), a hamlet near Pesaro (Marche Region) comes into its own at the festive season when it transforms into a Christmas Festival of Candlelight.
During the four weekends between the 22nd November - 14th December it holds its Candles at Candelara Festival, in which much of the historic centre is lit by candlelight, creating a fairytale atmosphere for the traditional Christmas market with stalls offering themed crafts, toys and regional food specialities, while entertainment is provided by street artists, wandering musicians, stilt walkers and jugglers.
The little town has cleverly played on its name to make it one of the most desired destinations for lovers of the Christmas market atmosphere. According to local writer and historian Luigi Michelini Tocci, the name derives from Latin “festum candelarum” - literally a source of light or a fire. According to legend, a wandering band of herdsmen looking for a new home chose this site after a lit candle was not blown out by the wind. The town coat of arms echoes the theme, depicting three hills surmounted by candles.
M.STENHOUSE
Info: Tel +39.0721 286693 www.candelara.com