Magic of Italy

Discover the Italian Christmas Traditions of Candelara

A visit to Candelara during the December festival makes a fantastic way to discover the magic of Italy for kids and adults alike.

Not only the name of this village comes from candles, even in the standard of Candelara there are three candles.

The legacy of this village to candle making goes back to an ancient legend.

According to this ancient tale, in medieval times, a lord from Pesaro decided to build a castle in the area.

To find the right location, he lit three candles in different spots and finally decided to build his castle in the best sheltered position, where only one of the candles remained burning to the end.





Every december the legacy of Candelara is celebrated with a festival that attracts tourists from Italy and abroad. During the festival candle makers open stands all around the village to offer handmade products and of course, unusual and beautiful candles.

In the castle a presepe artist opened the doors to his workshop and showed us how he makes these beautiful nativity figurines with a special handmade paper and tons of patience and dedication.

He starts this complicated process by making his own paper from rags instead of cellulose with a labor intensive process because only this kind of paper can be used for the elaborate figurine clothes.

Where to stay when visiting Candelara

To read about the dates and programs of Candele a Candelara, click on this link.

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