Alpine handicraft and Walser culture meet again in Macugnaga from 6th to 8th July, for the traditional San Bernardo Fair, now at its 21st Edition.Born way back in 1987 with the intention of re-living the air of an ancient fair held at the foot of Monte Rosa, the San Bernardo Fair attracts ever increasing numbers of tourists that visit the Anzasca town and its many market stalls. As a matter of fact artisans from throughout the valleys of Monte Rosa display their wares in Macugnaga: from wood or stone sculptures to ceramics, embroidered cloth, wrought iron and work tools. The fair starts on Friday 6th July in the afternoon with the consignment of tree trunks to the sculptors taking part in the VII Estemporanea di Scultura [impromptu sculpting exhibition] based on the theme Women and the Mountains, where twelve wood carving artists will create their works of art over the course of the three days with the winner being awarded first prize by an expert jury on Sunday.

Saturday is particularly rich in events with the official opening of the fair, famed for its variety of market stalls and the artisans' demonstration area situated at the Dorf, the first Walser settlement of Macugnaga. Alpine music and tradition will follow Saturday evening with the 10th International Mountain Music Festival, at the Kongresshaus, during which you will hear the characteristic sounds of the Alpine horns.

The Celebrations continue on Sunday 9th July with the solemn procession that will see women in traditional costume covered in gold parading towards the old linden tree, a secular tree considered the symbol of Macugnaga and its people. The afternoon will be dedicated to awarding the prizes to the best stall and the best sculpture as well as the distribution of the bread of friendship to the Walser groups from the Rosa valleys that have partaken in the fair.

For information IAT Tourist information office:
Piazza Municipio n.6
Tel. 0324.65119 - Fax 0324.65755
iat@comune.macugnaga.vb.it