Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt and Typical Mountain Products
San Nicola's Spelt and High-Altitude Christmas Markets
About Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt
The Oldest Spelt, DOP Certified
Monteleone di Spoleto is the home of DOP Spelt, the only cereal with DOP certification in Europe, cultivated for centuries on these mountain plateaus. The Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt and Typical Mountain Products was created to celebrate the spelt sowing season and is held at the beginning of December in the village, in the province of Perugia, the highest municipality in Umbria.
San Nicola and Spelt Soup
The festival intertwines gastronomy with the religious tradition of San Nicola, the patron saint of the village. Legend has it that in the 4th century, the saint, passing through Monteleone, saved children from hunger by distributing the famous San Nicola Soup, made from broken spelt. Even today, the festival opens with the distribution of the soup blessed by the parish priest, in a ritual that links faith, community, and the products of the land.
High-Altitude Christmas Markets
For a few days, the streets and squares of the historic center host the showcase of DOP, DOC, DOCG, and IGP products from the Valnerina in a Christmas setting, along with Christmas markets, crafts, and workshops. The most evocative moment is the Focone della Venuta, the large bonfire lit in the market square to illuminate the passage of the Holy House of Nazareth, alongside the lighting of the Wool Tree and the Nativity scene of the Valnerina in the hamlet of Ruscio. A mountain Christmas, authentic and rich in ancient traditions.
Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt — edition 2026
In 2026, Monteleone di Spoleto will once again prepare to celebrate its DOP Spelt with the Market Exhibition of Typical Mountain Products, traditionally held in early December to celebrate the sowing season. The event is expected to include the distribution of San Nicola Soup, high-altitude Christmas markets, and tastings of DOP, DOC, and IGP products from the Valnerina, as well as the evocative Focone della Venuta.
The exact dates and program for the 2026 edition have not yet been published. For updates, it is advisable to follow the official channels of the Municipality of Monteleone di Spoleto.
Programme Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. The event typically follows this structure: opening with the distribution of San Nicola Soup; solemn Mass in honor of the patron saint San Nicola (December 6th); setting up of the DOP Spelt and typical products market exhibition in the historic center squares, with Christmas markets, crafts, and workshops; lighting of the Wool Tree, the Valnerina Nativity scene in Ruscio, and the Focone della Venuta. Dates and schedule will be announced by the organizers.
Practical information — Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt
How to Get There
Monteleone di Spoleto is located in the upper Valnerina, in the province of Perugia, at about a thousand meters above sea level. By car: from the SS3 Flaminia or the E45 towards Spoleto-Norcia, then local roads towards Cascia and Monteleone.
When
At the beginning of December, around the feast of San Nicola (December 6th) and the Focone della Venuta (December 9th).
Tips
Warm winter clothing (we are at a thousand meters altitude); don't miss the San Nicola Soup and buying DOP Spelt for the holidays.
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Where does it take place — Market Exhibition of DOP Spelt
Centro storico di Monteleone di Spoleto
Piazza del Mercato, 06045 Monteleone di Spoleto