by InTrieste
The festive season in Opicina has been officially kicked off with the inauguration of the event “A Opicina… Christmas with Us 2023”, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration that will continue until January 14, 2024.
The Christmas events in Opicina promise a lively and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike. Each Sunday, on December 3, 10, 17, and 24, shops will open their doors from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and again from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The diverse program features three enchanting nativity scenes, bustling Christmas markets, Santa Claus arriving in a carriage, festive parties, entertainment for children, captivating book presentations, and the opportunity to explore Opicina’s bunkers and Kleine Berlin.
The highlight of the celebration will be on December 5 at 5:00 pm when the Christmas tree lights will be ceremoniously illuminated. The event will be accompanied by performances from the Silver Choir of Villa Carsia and the male choir MOPZ (Moški Pevski Zbor) Kraški dom of Monrupino. The Christmas tree, a generous donation from the Municipality of Trieste, will be adorned with handcrafted ornaments created by students from the Municipal Recreation Center F.lli Fonda Savio.
Children in Opicina are in for a treat as Saint Nicholas plans to accompany them on a delightful carriage ride through the town on December 5, beginning at 4:00 pm from Monte Re square. Later in the month, on December 21 at 4:00 pm, Santa Claus will make a grand entrance in a carriage, distributing treats to children and leading them through Opicina, making a special stop at the F.lli Fonda Savio Recreation Center.
The festive spirit will extend to the shopping streets of Opicina and Largo San Tommaso, adorned with Christmas lights from December 2, 2023, to January 14, 2024. The town will come alive with the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree donated by the Municipality of Trieste and the charming nativity scene on Via di Prosecco, crafted by the skilled hands of Nonna Bruna.
Opicina will host not one, but three nativity scenes, including a new addition at Percedol Lake, inaugurated on December 10 at 3:00 pm. Additionally, on December 21 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, a craft and vintage market will be set up, offering a unique shopping experience. Residents and visitors can enjoy guided tours of Kleine Berlin and Opicina’s bunkers, along with various cultural events such as a skating show, book presentation, and a Christmas celebration organized by the Volop Volontariato Opicina association.
To further enhance the Christmas shopping experience, participating Opicina stores will extend their opening hours, welcoming shoppers from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. For added convenience, free parking will be available at ZKB Zadružna Kraška Banka di Trieste e Gorizia on Saturdays and Sundays in December from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
On December 24, the festivities will include a visit to the Opicina bunkers at 10:00 am, followed by a festive toast and wishes at the Obelisco campsite ristobar. In the realm of religious celebrations, Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 pm, and on Christmas Day, a solemn Mass will take place at the church of S. Bartolomeo Apostolo. The year will close with a thanksgiving Mass on December 31 at 7:00 pm. Bunker visits will continue into January, scheduled for January 6 and 7 at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.
These meticulously planned and diverse events offer a comprehensive overview of Opicina’s festive season, bringing together cultural, religious, and community activities to create a vibrant and inclusive celebration for everyone in the community.
