On November 11th, St. Martin’s Day (“San Martino”) is celebrated, a popular feast throughout Italy. This tradition, linked to the history of the saint who gave half of his cloak to a beggar, marked an emblematic moment in rural life.
The popular Italian saying "On St. Martin’s Day the grape juice turns into wine" refers to the ancient custom of toasting with new wine on this occasion, which also coincided with the end of the hard work in the fields and the return of farmers to their homes. For this reason, the popular expression "making a San Martino" means "to set off".
From north to south this festival is celebrated in many ways in Italy and it’s characterised by conviviality, joy and the tasting of good wine and other products that the land gives in this greedy season.
Discover our suggestions to get to the heart of this beautiful tradition.
Predazzo: fires and bells in the mountains
To celebrate St. Martin’s Day, throughout the province of Trento many events are organised, in which the protagonists are the excellent products that give themselves to this land cultivated with dedication and passion.
For a unique and evocative experience, do not miss the night of the fires of San Martino in Predazzo. At 8pm on November 11th, great bonfires will be lit on the sides of the mountains, accompanied by the characteristic sound of bells.
An event with a tribal flavour, rich in charm and full of energy that infects all those present, inviting them to indulge in festivities in typical Trentino taverns on this very special night.
Venice: cheerfulness among the streets
In Venice, St. Martin’s Day is a particularly heartfelt feast. Formerly linked to the consumption of typical autumn products, such as chestnuts and wine, over the years this festival has turned into a festival in which the children are the protagonists. In fact, it is the children who parade through the streets of the city playing saucepans and their lids and asking loudly for sweets or a little change.
In all Venetian pastry shops you will find the delicious “San Martini”, shortcrust pastry cakes covered with icing, chocolate and decorated with candy, which depict the saint on horseback in the act of cutting his cloak in order to offer it to a poor beggar.
Let yourself be infected by the festive climate that spreads through the streets of the city and enjoy this delicious tradition so loved by Venetian families.
Taviano: a party to be together
In Salento St. Martin’s Day is an opportunity to gather around a table with friends and family and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and being together.
The restaurants in the area and the farms create special menus to offer the best of Salento's gastronomy, all accompanied of course by good new wine, the undisputed star of this occasion.
In Taviano, in the province of Lecce, this festival is particularly heartfelt, as San Martino is the patron saint of the city, which is usually honoured with a pyromusical show that illuminates the Apulian night sky.
Palermo: typical products and curious traditions
In Palermo, the feast of St. Martin is an opportunity to taste the roast chestnuts, make a toast with a glass of new wine and soak the biscuits typical of the tradition in Muscat.
Moving towards the interior of the region, we recommend a visit to Palazzo Adriano, a splendid location made famous by the film “Cinema Paradiso”.
Here the homage to the saint blends with the Balkan tradition and gives life to an event that sees newlyweds take centre stage, to whom pitta (circular bread that symbolises the values of family) is delivered, along with Sammartini, baskets adorned with sweets and flowers that contain the gifts of family and friends.
For the occasion, guided tours, tasting tours and open museums invite visitors to learn about the unique history of this country, the result of the encounter between different cultures.