Fiera+Franca

A different type of town festival is that called "**Fiera Franca**", which takes place every year during the first weekend of October in Thiene, a little city in the surroundings of Vicenza. This celebration commemorates when the typical Monday market first began in Thiene, thanks to the permission given to the town's citizens in 1492 by the doge of Venice. It is a real historical re-enactment that lasts two days. On Saturday afternoon there is a costume parade along the ways of the city centre. People who take part into this show are dressed up like men and women of the 15th century. Flag throwers and acrobats perform in front of thousands of people that come from every parts of Italy. Moreover, there are musicians that play medieval songs, dancers that dance to medieval tunes and soldiers that stage a real battle. The atmosphere is really evocative and it seems like coming back to 15th century. Then, on Sunday, the "Mercato Franco",where people can buy typical products of the region and handicraftstakes place, takes place. The most interesting thing is that you have to pay using "Colombine"(the ancient coin of Thiene), if you want to buy something; you go to the change point and in exchange for 1 Euro, you receive two Colombine. There are not only lots of stands that crowd the entire city, but also many people that show, above all to children, the old arts and crafts. You can find women that dye wool and weave baskets; men that strike hot iron and blow glass; hairdresser that make you a medieval hairdos... At the end of this two days, there are fireworks and a typical dinner in the castle. You are recommended to take part into this special town festival, it' s like travelling in time.