The Sant’Orso Fair:
1025 Years of Woodworking Art and Tradition
Published on: February 15, 2025
Reading time: 9 minutes
Have you ever imagined a thousand-year-old festival that turns an entire city into a showcase of extraordinary handcrafted wooden creations (and much more!), a true testament to the skill of master artisans? Well, stop imagining—it’s real! Every year, in Aosta (Ao) – Italy, this magic takes place: the Sant’Orso Fair, a celebration of art and tradition for 1025 years. I mentioned it briefly in a previous article (Wood Carving in the Aosta Valley: Mont Fallere Refuge), but today, let’s dive into the details!
Welcome to the Magic of the Sant’Orso Fair!
Every January 30th and 31st, the streets of Aosta’s historic center transform into an open-air museum. “La Saint Ours” isn’t just any fair—it’s a millennial event! Think about it: while the world went through wars, revolutions, and monumental changes, the artisans of the Aosta Valley remained loyal to this tradition, year after year.
The fair’s roots date back to the Middle Ages, but some studies suggest that similar traditions existed even earlier, tied to pre-Christian seasonal rituals. However, if we stick to its officially recognized origins, the story of the Sant’Orso Fair begins in the square in front of the “Collegiata di Sant’Orso“.
A Story Rooted in Generosity
According to tradition, Orso, a priest who lived between the 5th and 6th centuries, was a humble and generous man known for donating clothes and wooden clogs (sabot) to the poor to protect them from the cold. Over time, this simple act of charity turned into a tradition, evolving through the centuries into what is now a grand event dedicated to local craftsmanship, keeping alive the memory of those early acts of kindness.
Historical records confirm that the fair existed as early as the 13th century: a document from 1243 states that it took place on January 31st, from 8 AM until sunset, stretching from Porta Pretoria to Via Sant’Orso. But the Sant’Orso Fair has never been just a market—it’s a cultural experience that blends tradition, creativity, and conviviality, turning Aosta into a vibrant stage for local artisans.
Some Numbers…
This major event is organized by the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley, in collaboration with the City of Aosta and other institutions. The fair now boasts over 1,000 exhibitors, from hobbyists to professional artisans, displaying their creations along the city’s streets.
In 2024, Piazza Chanoux alone recorded over 206,000 visitors, marking a significant increase from previous years. The Atelier des Métiers, a section reserved for professional artisans, welcomed 22,050 visitors.
In 2025, despite bad weather, there was a 78% increase in the number of buses and vehicles arriving, along with a surge in visits to indoor stands. A clear sign that interest in the Sant’Orso Fair is not only enduring but growing stronger each year!
Woodworking and Handcrafted Creations
This small region, nestled among the mountains, thrives on tourism today, but in the past, agriculture and livestock farming were its primary sources of livelihood. With nature dictating the pace of work, winter provided a pause from the fields, allowing creativity to flourish.
Generation after generation, people began working with leather, stone, iron, wool, and especially wood, not only to decorate homes but also to craft useful everyday objects. Today, woodworking remains the beating heart of the Aosta Valley—and, of course, of the Sant’Orso Fair.
The Value of Craftsmanship
Creating a handmade piece takes months of work. Every chisel stroke, every turn of the lathe, every woven thread requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. Often, the value of a handcrafted item isn’t just in the craftsmanship but in the history of the materials used—an ancient tree struck by lightning, a piece of wood aged for decades, or even fragments of an old house or abandoned mine…
Some people question the higher price of handmade goods.
As if centuries of knowledge and years of practice had no value.
As if an object that exists as a unique, one-of-a-kind piece in all of human history were not priceless.
A handmade work of art is like a person—multifaceted, unique, and filled with unrepeatable characteristics.
That’s why you won’t find two identical handcrafted pieces: each one is the result of exclusive workmanship, a unique combination of gestures and moments that will never be repeated.
I fully share this reflection, and it is more relevant than ever. Every handcrafted piece is not just an object, but the result of ancient knowledge, gestures refined over time, and a deep respect for the material and its history. This applies to every artisan’s work, anywhere and always: behind each creation, there is time, dedication, and mastery—and that deserves respect.
Walking through the stalls, this awareness comes to life. Here, you won’t find mass-produced items, but objects that tell stories, bearing the imprint of the hands that shaped them, with unique details that make them truly one of a kind. Some pieces have become true symbols of the Sant’Orso Fair, always present among the exhibitors—let’s discover them together!
Traditional Creations of the Fair
Some objects embody the identity of Aosta Valley craftsmanship more than others and, year after year, they always find their place among the stalls of the fair.
- Among them, the sabot stand out—traditional wooden clogs from the Valle d’Ayas, once essential for keeping feet warm and dry. Don’t they look familiar? As the saying goes, it’s a small world after all…! 😉
- Also unmissable are the grolle, elegantly carved chalices made from fine wood and topped with a lid, symbolizing conviviality and sharing. Then there are the coppe dell’amicizia, multi-spouted wooden bowls designed for drinking warm beverages together, following an ancient local tradition.
- Another distinctive element is the “tatà”, the traditional wooden toy that children used to play with in the past. Typically carved in the shape of a little horse or cow and mounted on wheels, the tatà was handcrafted by grandparents or local artisans. More than just a nostalgic object, it represents simplicity and ingenuity, blending functionality and creativity into a timeless little masterpiece.
- You’ll also find handcrafted household utensils, such as spoons, bowls, and cutting boards, meticulously made with great care. Not to mention sculptures and intricately carved furniture, ranging from religious figures to home decor pieces adorned with traditional patterns.
Anecdotes and Curiosities About the Sant’Orso Fair
If there’s one thing that makes the Sant’Orso Fair truly special, it’s its deep connection to the traditions of the Aosta Valley. Every year, among the wooden sculptures, bustling stalls, and the unmistakable aroma of “vin brûlé” (a traditional hot spiced wine, popular in Alpine regions, especially during winter. Made by heating red wine with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, citrus peel, and sometimes a splash of liquor, similar to mulled wine), fascinating stories and age-old rituals resurface, making this event truly unique. But what’s even more special? There’s no competition here—only friendship.
Those who observe carefully will quickly notice that the exhibitors all know each other—they exchange smiles, jokes in patois, and stop to chat like old friends. They are not just artisans; they are proud custodians of their craft and their identity as Valdostans, bound together by a passion that is stronger than any rivalry.
Of course, tourists fill the streets, adding to the excitement and energy, but beneath the surface, a warm, familiar atmosphere still lingers. The true soul of the fair emerges above all during the “Notte della Veillà” (on the night between January 30th and 31st), when the streets light up with lanterns, music, dancing, and traditional food, as people raise their glasses to tradition, to their homeland, and, above all, to good company.
Because Sant’Orso is not just a market—it’s a celebration, a reunion, a shared identity. And like any event deeply rooted in history, it carries with it ancient rituals, passed down through generations, often wrapped in a touch of superstition, such as:
- The “Musset” of the Collegiate Church
Beneath the altar of the Church of Sant’Orso, there is a narrow passage known as the “musset”. Every February 1st, devotees pass through it as an act of devotion, seeking the saint’s protection from back pain and blessings for fertility. This ancient gesture, almost like a small initiation ritual, connects the sacred to the everyday life of the community.
- The Carved Rooster
A timeless object that can be found at nearly every stall is the carved rooster. Each artisan crafts it in their own style, yet its shape remains unmistakable—compact, well-defined, with a proud chest and a pronounced crest. Considered a true good luck charm, it is one of the most popular purchases, making it the perfect souvenir or a symbolic gift representing pride and protection.
- The Fair’s Pendant
Every year, a different artisan has the honor and responsibility of creating the commemorative pendant for the Sant’Orso Fair, a cherished symbol among visitors and collectors. It is a task of great prestige but also a challenge, as it requires the production of thousands of pieces, all handcrafted.
This year’s edition was created by Aldo Andres Villegas Castiglioni, who carved 5,000 “sapei”, the traditional Valdostan wooden and leather footwear worn during the summer months.
At the heart of the Sant’Orso Fair, in Piazza Chanoux, there is a covered space that stands out: the Atelier des Métiers. Here, only the finest artisans exhibit—those who have turned their craft into a true profession. It is not just a prestigious showcase but a recognition of a journey built on talent, experience, and dedication.
Those who reach this level are no longer just enthusiasts but established professionals. Their works are not only displayed at the fair’s stalls but also end up in the hands of collectors, museums, and connoisseurs. Each piece embodies years of study and research, blending traditional techniques with meticulous attention to quality. Being selected for the Atelier des Métiers is not just a milestone—it is the confirmation of belonging to the elite of Valdostan craftsmanship.
Tradition and Future: Where Is the Fair Heading?
Even a thousand-year-old fair must keep up with the times. Here, the word “tradition” is sacred—and rightly so: the people of the Aosta Valley protect it with pride. But the Sant’Orso Fair has not survived for over a millennium simply by holding onto its roots; it has done so by adapting, evolving, and embracing new ideas without losing its soul.
And in fact, just take a look around: among the exhibitors, you’ll find not only long-established artisans but also young craftspeople experimenting with contemporary designs, new techniques, and innovative materials—a perfect balance between past and future.
But innovation doesn’t mean losing identity—it means giving it new life. As you wander through the stands, it’s easy to see: alongside classic creations, you’ll find sleek, minimalist designs, unexpected material combinations, and modern details. There’s no shortage of sustainable innovations either: reclaimed wood, repurposed materials, and brilliant ideas that breathe new life into what seemed destined to disappear.
And the most surprising thing? There’s truly something for everyone. From the timeless charm of traditional craftsmanship to modern, minimalist aesthetics, from elegant pieces to whimsical and playful creations—whatever your style, you’ll find something that makes you stop, smile, and maybe even take home a unique piece.
But change isn’t just about the objects—it’s also about the fair experience itself. Today, you can search for your favorite exhibitors right from your smartphone, thanks to geolocation, or even contact them via email or WhatsApp to find out where their workshops are during the year. A connection that goes beyond the two days of the event, continuing long after the fair has ended.
If you want to experience this unique event, check out the official sources to plan your visit and make sure you don’t miss next year’s edition!
An Experience Not to Be Missed
By now, you’ve probably realized that if you love wood, history, authentic traditions, and magical atmospheres, the Sant’Orso Fair is an event you simply can’t miss! It’s a place where time seems to slow down, where every object tells a story, and where Aosta’s winter lights up with creativity and passion.
Being there means experiencing it to the fullest—letting yourself be immersed in the atmosphere, discovering, learning, and finding inspiration. One combination that particularly caught my attention is the pairing of wood and soapstone, the typical Valdostan stone, used for centuries to sculpt and craft durable and fascinating objects.
While I’ve focused on wood, the fair showcases an incredible variety of crafts: from stone sculpture to metalwork, from leather crafting to woven fabrics and traditional textiles, and even wool processing, transforming local sheep’s fleece into warm, authentic garments and accessories. There’s no chance of getting bored here!
But Aosta is more than just the fair—it’s history, archaeology, mystery, and discovery. It’s also sports and nature, a breathtaking combination that makes it truly unique and worth exploring. Every corner has a story to tell, from Roman ruins to the majestic mountains, down to the traditions still alive in the streets today.
If this has made you want to experience it in person, here are some useful links to help you plan your visit:
II’ll be there again next year—what about you? If you love wood, craftsmanship, and the unique atmosphere of mountain festivals, the Sant’Orso Fair is worth every mile of the journey.
While we wait for the next edition, I’ve prepared a video: a sneak peek of this incredible 2025 fair, featuring the stalls, artisan creations, and the enchanting atmosphere of Aosta. Enjoy, and see you at the next Sant’Orso Fair! And of course, see you next month with my next article! Ciao!
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