I visited Modena just when the Christmas markets were up and running, in the last week of November. It was a cold frosty Saturday morning. I had just arrived from Barcelona to Bologna on Friday evening amidst a lot of protests in Bologna on the Gaza situation. My plan was to visit Modena on Saturday. Knowing it wasn’t too far, I slept a bit late. After reaching the Bologna station I bought a return ticket to Modena. I took a Trenitalia train which would take me to Modena in about 30 minutes.
The walk from Modena train station to Piazza Grande is about 15 minutes. This is where most of the stalls of Modena market were set up, right in front of the Duomo. It was a straightforward walk. And I crossed Palazzo Ducale which looked absolutely impressive. More about it in another post. The last picture in this post of the horses in the carousel is clicked in front of the Palace.
The Christmas market had many interesting stalls. Many were german selling Bratwurst Hot dogs which was making my mouth water, there were large pretzels. a beautiful set up for mulled wine, much needed in the cold weather. There was music, kids running around, chestnuts being roasted and the smell of caramelized onions wafting through the air.
There was a band of santa claus-es who played some excellent tunes. A large crowd gathered around them to hear their music. The entire atmosphere was so relaxed and festive. Everyone was enjoying and doing something nice around the market.
I really love all the Christmas knick knacks that are sold in the markets at this time. You can see beautiful handcrafted snowmans, fairies and angels to hang on your Christmas tree, baubles, figures of saints and the blessed virgin. And many more. I loved the stall selling lot of wooden items like filigree pattern boards. They would make for a great tableware collection too.
I was starved with all the walking. But I did not want to eat any german food. Since I was in Italy, it makes all sense to gorge on Italian delights and Modena’s Albenini market is the temple to explore. I spent quite sometime there which is a stone’s throw from the Christmas markets. I shall write a detailed post about it. I was experiencing the food greed, this was my first day and I was like not getting enough of the Italian delights. Then I stopped at a local cafe in the square. And got a cotechino de panino; hopefully thats what it was; I am confused with the names. But it was a great sandwich with the finely cut prosciutto ham and the most fabulous cheese I have had in a long time.
Final thoughts on Modena Christmas Market
There aren’t any specific thoughts that I have than, that I enjoyed the festive cheer in Modena. I never dreamt that I will be in Modena during the Christmas period. But life always has other plans. And all one can do is just enjoy the moment and be part of it. I loved the food in Modena, sampling the food in the market. Italy is such a sensory experience, all you will do is love it.
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