Strozegada de Santa Luzia

The Strozegada de Santa Luzia in Marter

The Strozegada de Santa Luzia is a traditional event that brings the village of Marter to life in the municipality of Roncegno Terme (Trento province, Trentino-Alto Adige). It is a deeply felt community celebration tied to the eve of Saint Lucy's Day, forming part of the local Christmas festivities.

What is a "strozega"?

A "strozega" is a long string of tin cans and aluminum containers tied together with wire or twine. Children drag them noisily along the village streets: according to tradition, Saint Lucy has poor eyesight and finds her way by listening to the clatter of her little friends. The more noise they make, the easier it is for the Saint to find her way to the village. This is an ancient custom widespread throughout many towns in Valsugana and Trentino, where the night between December 12th and 13th is awaited by children with as much excitement as Christmas itself.

A festive moment for the whole community

The meeting point is Piazza Santa Margherita, the heart of the village of Marter. At the end of the parade, amidst the clatter of the strozeghe and the magical atmosphere of the lights, Saint Lucy herself arrives to distribute a small gift to all the children present. The event is designed primarily for families and children, but involves the entire village in a moment of joy and togetherness.

In the heart of Christmas in Roncegno Terme

The Strozegada is part of the "Christmas in Roncegno Terme" program, which is packed with events that enliven the main town and its hamlets between late November and mid-December: lighting displays and nativity scenes, stalls with hot drinks, bagpipe players, and choral performances in the Church of Santa Margherita. It is an opportunity to discover the authenticity of Valsugana and its most genuine traditions, in a corner of Trentino where the festive season still retains the charm of yesteryear.