Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia

The city of Verona renews the annual appointment with the celebrations of Saint Lucia, the Sicilian saint who, according to tradition, on the night between December 12 and 13, rides on her faithful donkey bringing sweets and delicacies to good children and coal to the naughty ones.

For the occasion, from December 10 to 13, 2025, Piazza Bra hosts, as every year, the colorful Santa Lucia stalls, where visitors can find a wide selection of candies and treats.

There are about 190 stalls of street vendors in Piazza Bra and via Roma, in the heart of Verona, coming from all over Italy, displaying their typical and artisanal products, and offering a unique opportunity to find some special items.

The tradition of celebrating Saint Lucia dates back to the 13th century, when the city was hit by a dangerous disease that primarily affected children, causing severe damage to their eyesight. Parents, invoking the saint protector of the eyes, would take their children on a barefoot pilgrimage, and, as the belief goes, once grace was received, the Saint would fill their shoes with sweets.

Verona has always respected this ancient tradition: during the festive days, indeed, the city center fills with stands and stalls where gifts of every kind can be bought, from artisan products to gastronomic specialties.