Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP e dei Prodotti Tipici della Montagna
The Spelt of San Nicola and high-altitude Christmas markets
About Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP
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 Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP e dei Prodotti Tipici della Montagna was created to celebrate the spelt sowing season and is held in early 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 village's patron saint. Legend has it that in the 4th century, the saint, passing through Monteleone, saved children from hunger by distributing the famous Minestra di San Nicola (Saint Nicholas' 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 produce of the land.
High-altitude Christmas markets
For a few days, the streets and squares of the historic center host a showcase of DOP, DOC, DOCG, and IGP products from the Valnerina region in a Christmas setting, alongside 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 Valnerina Nativity scene in the hamlet of Ruscio. A mountain Christmas, authentic and rich in ancient traditions.
Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP — edition 2026
In 2026, Monteleone di Spoleto will once again prepare to celebrate its DOP Spelt with the Mountain Products Exhibition Market, traditionally held in early December to mark the sowing season. The event is expected to feature the distribution of San Nicola Soup, high-altitude Christmas markets, and tastings of DOP, DOC, and IGP products from the Valnerina region, 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's advisable to follow the official channels of the Municipality of Monteleone di Spoleto.
Programme Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP 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 mountain products exhibition market in the squares of the historic center, 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 — Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP
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
In early 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 Minestra di San Nicola and buying DOP Spelt for the holidays.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Mostra Mercato del Farro DOP
Centro storico di Monteleone di Spoleto
Piazza del Mercato, 06045 Monteleone di Spoleto