In the Veronese traditions Saint Lucia is celebrated almost more than Christmas, and still remains a very heartfelt celebration for children. Legend has it that in the night between 12 13 and December Santa Lucia, accompanied by her donkey Gastaldo, bring sweets and toys to good children. For this reason every child must go to bed early (otherwise the Santa blinds him with ashes if he finds him awake) but not before leaving an empty plate where the Santa will leave the candies and a glass of milk to quench his donkey.
This tradition dates back to the XNUMXth century, when it spread to Verona a dangerous eye disease that mainly affected children.
Families began taking a vow for healing, a pilgrimage in the church of Santa Lucia (now no longer existing) and, to persuade the children to take part in the vote by walking to the church barefoot, they promised that Santa Lucia would fill their shoes and socks with gifts and sweets. After the epidemic the tradition of the pilgrimage remained moving to the church of Santa Agnese which was located in Piazza Bra (the square of the arena) in the place where the town hall is today. The influx of so many children and parents into the square began to attract sellers of sweets and toys. Hence the tradition of "Banquets of Saint Lucia".
Each year more than 300 sellers street vendors populate the square offering gifts and sweets. The gifts most felt by tradition are still socks and socks, and the inevitable sweets and candies with which the "dishes of Santa Lucia" are made. a huge sausage sandwich stuffed with every possible sauce and vegetables strolling through the crowded rows of stalls
From the 10 12 December
Time: from the 9.30 23.00
on December 13st
Time: from the 9.30 20.00
