Saint Nicholas is Coming

A living tradition in the heart of the Vanoi Valley

On the evening of December 5th, the village of Caoria—the highest and most secluded hamlet in the municipality of Canal San Bovo—comes alive for one of the most anticipated events of the year: the arrival of Saint Nicholas. Throughout the Vanoi Valley, in the province of Trento, this festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season and keeps alive an ancient rite passed down through generations.

The ritual of the cowbells

In the late afternoon, the local children head out with their cowbells to announce the Saint's arrival. They stop in groups in front of houses and shops, recite their traditional rhymes, and are rewarded with sweets, candies, dried fruit, chestnuts, and mandarins. It is a moment of great joy that involves the entire community and builds anticipation for the evening.

Saint Nicholas, the angels, and the Krampus

Saint Nicholas arrives dressed as a bishop with a red cloak, miter, and crosier, accompanied by his angels who help carry the gifts. With him also appear the feared Krampus, the diabolical figures who, according to Alpine tradition, punish the naughty ones. Children carrying cowbells can accompany the Saint through the village streets in a procession that is both frightening and wondrous.

The evening at the festival grounds and parish hall

The gathering takes place at the Alpini Festival Grounds in Caoria, starting at 7:30 PM. The evening continues with entertainment and music, a chestnut roast accompanied by mulled wine and hot apple cider, and the distribution of gifts to the little ones. The parish hall hosts activities for children and, in recent years, film screenings. Don't miss the carefully arranged nativity scene exhibition, which adds a touch of Christmas serenity to the festivities.

Organizers

The event is promoted by the Pro Loco of Caoria in collaboration with the local Alpini Group and the Youth Group, with the support of the Vanoi Valley Tourist Consortium. It is a free event open to everyone, designed especially for families and those wishing to discover the authentic Christmas traditions of the Trentino valleys.