By Paola Butera
Gualdo Tadino awaits you for a Christmas of warmth and serenity from 1 December 2024 to 15 January 2025. A rich program resulting from the full synergy between the Municipal Administration, educational institutions, commercial operators and the large associative network of the territory.
From the first Sunday of December, the festivities will kick off with the lighting of the lights in the historic centre, the trees in Piazza Martiri della Libertà and Piazza Mazzini up to the alleys and central streets to accompany residents and tourists on a path of lights that connects the city centre with the public gardens, and continues in Viale Don Bosco, to end at the Rocca Flea via the characteristic Via del Reggiaio.
Musical entertainment, cultural activities, days dedicated to animal friends, charity evenings, sports initiatives, dance performances and many other characteristic events are ready to tell the folklore of the Gualdo community. For adults and children, opening of Santa’s house at the Rocca Flea, a Frederick II building symbol of the city that will be illuminated with Christmas graphics, in Piazza Soprammuro setting up of an artistic handcrafted nativity scene with 64 life-size statues and traditional artistic nativity scenes in the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Divino Amore and at the church of San Giuseppe Artigiano.
And again, on December 25, the opening of the Living Nativity Scene at the gardens of the Bambin Gesù institute in Via Cesare Battisti, organized by the Capezza association: many people from Gualdo engaged in a careful nativity scene representation every year inspired by a precise work created by the great masters of Italian and international painting.
On the holidays, there will also be the extraordinary opening of all the churches in the historic centre, a religious and cultural heritage of immense value, from the Co-cathedral of San Benedetto to the churches of San Donato and Santa Maria dei Raccomandati.
The City of Gualdo Tadino Museum Pole with its six museums will accompany visitors on a journey through local culture and history: Rocca Flea Civic Museum, Pietro Conti Regional Museum of Emigration, Rubboli Factory Museum, Museum of Ceramics and Museum of Ancient Umbrians at Casa Cajani, Monumental Church of San Francesco and Donkey Museum.
Finally, tourists are invited to visit Valsorda, a plateau that takes its name from the absence of the natural phenomenon of the echo, nestled between Monte Serrasanta and Monte Maggio, which reaches a thousand meters above sea level dominating the Apennine ridge, rich and enchanting in terms of naturalistic, path, botanical and environmental heritage, to be easily reached by car or on foot, It allows a suggestive view of the city from above and is a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts for its evocative views.
In January, in addition to the traditional descent of the Befana in the historic centre on January 6, there will be the celebrations of the patron saint, Blessed Angelo da Casale, this year even more heartfelt because at the end of the current year, dedicated to the celebrations of the 700th anniversary of his death, with a musical dedicated to the life of Jesus on January 15, remodelled with texts, music and choreography in a modern and very particular key as well as various religious and cultural initiatives to pay homage to his figure and his message of humility, simplicity and dedication to universal values.
Shops, artisan workshops of artistic ceramics, hotels, bars and restaurants are ready to welcome young people, families, hikers, tourists and holidaymakers to experience the magic of Christmas together!
“Christmas with us, an experience to live” the Words of Mayor Massimiliano Presciutti
By Paola Butera
I go to greet the Mayor of Gualdo Tadino, Massimiliano Presciutti and I take the opportunity to talk with him about the latest news regarding the programming of Christmas events, after a truly surprising summer.
Mayor, can you feel satisfied with the Gualdo summer in terms of tourism and culture?
“The summer was fantastic! We have seen the historic centre come back to life, and this has also given a good hand to economic activities that have had the opportunity to renew themselves or start new projects. It is a positive sign that bodes well for a change of course. Of course, there is still a lot to do, but these signs of vitality on the part of the locals and associations have allowed us to organize various activities for Christmas.”
Speaking of Christmas, what should we expect for the upcoming Christmas holidays?
“Every year we try to surprise with original ideas, without forgetting traditions such as nativity scenes and illuminations that we will re-propose with some new touches. This year we will also have other spaces to use, such as public gardens, and the entire historic centre will be animated by events for everyone and not just in the squares! There will also be indoor activities, shows designed for both children and adults of all ages and will be scattered throughout our territory. We have planned a series of versatile proposals, designed to attract a varied audience: shows for families and young people, themed events and many new features that will start as early as the first of December. The idea is precisely to entice people to come to Gualdo Tadino throughout the month of December. And then, as always, the Christmas season will end on January 15, coinciding with the feast of Blessed Angelo, patron saint of the city and, this year, with the closing of the jubilee year dedicated to the saint himself.”
What are the expectations and what are the objectives that the Municipality has set itself?
“We are really curious to see how people will react to these changes, which are a little different than usual. It will not only be a traditional Christmas and we hope to welcome not only our fellow citizens, but also those who come to visit our territory. We want to continue the enthusiasm we had this summer and start planning for next year. This city has rediscovered a community spirit, also thanks to this jubilee, which has represented an important innovation of trust. The people we welcomed complimented us many times for the order and cleanliness of the city, as well as for our hospitality; they felt right at home.”
What is the added value for which you should visit Gualdo Tadino?
“I have just returned from Padua where I received the City Vision award, for the digitization of villages, with our “Digitalino” project, a digital platform that makes access to municipal services easier and faster, both for residents and visitors. In practice, it facilitates everything that the city offers in real time: from hospitality to services, events, initiatives, parking and traffic. This is a nice added value but also being in the middle of an area twenty minutes from Gubbio and Assisi is because we can attract visitors who can easily move, but at the same time want to enjoy a natural environment with widespread hospitality and that is accessible to all. Those who arrive in Gualdo Tadino choose tranquillity, a beautiful landscape, delicious food and ease of movement to the main points of interest. Plus, the costs are affordable, and there are so many interesting things to see! Let’s not forget the city’s Museum Complex, including the Rocca Flea, the Museum of Ceramics and the Donkey Museum (unique in the world). In short, Gualdo Tadino is a beautiful, welcoming and clean place, easy to reach and where you can find excellent value for money.”
Finally, what do you recommend to those who are preparing to spend their holidays in Umbria?
“I recommend him to come to Gualdo Tadino because it is really a concentrate of art, traditions, culture and delicious food! Here you live well, in tranquillity and away from the chaos. And this year at Christmas, you will be able to live an experience that cannot simply be told: you have to live it to understand it!