by Valentina Salcedo
The photographic exhibition “The Fair of San Nicolò: A Century-Long Celebration” was inaugurated at the Covered Market in Trieste (36 Carducci Street) was presented on the day dedicated to the saint.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor and Economic Policies Commissioner Serena Tonel, photographer Ugo Borsatti, Politeama Rossetti President Francesco Granbassi, representatives from local police and involved municipal offices, and the families of the artists whose photos are on display.
Deputy Mayor Tonel stated, “It’s an honor to have the presence of maestro Ugo Borsatti on this occasion, whose work has documented Trieste’s history throughout the twentieth century. As part of the centenary initiatives for the Fair of San Nicolò, including the distribution of gadgets and accessories in public establishments, this exhibit is part of an ideal itinerary that spans the historic Fair area represented by Viale XX Settembre, reaching the Rossetti Theater, where additional photos on the theme are exhibited. It’s also a way to showcase the historical and architectural value of the Covered Market on this occasion. I thank everyone who contributed to its realization.”
The exhibition will be open until January 7, from Tuesday to Saturday (8 AM – 5 PM) and on Monday (8 AM – 2 PM) at the Covered Market. It constitutes the “second phase” of a similar display in the Foyer of the Rossetti Theater (open until December 10 for theatergoers), following the initiatives to celebrate the centenary of the Fair of San Nicolò, occurring this year.
Both exhibitions are organized by the Municipality of Trieste (Department of Economic Activities, Photo Archive of the Civic Museums of History and Art, Communication Service, and Information Services) and curated by Claudia Colecchia, head of the Photo Archive of the Civic Museums of History and Art, using negatives from Photo Omnia by Ugo Borsatti, Adriano de Rota, Alfonso Mottola, and the Giornalfoto photographic agency, preserved in the Photo Archive of the Civic Museums of History and Art.
San Nicolò (270-343), originally from the Lycian city of Patara in present-day Turkey, descends from the sky on the night between December 5 and 6 to bring gifts to good children. Popular legend describes him wrapped in a red cloak, with his head covered by a golden mitre, and a pastoral staff in his right hand. In Trieste, the Fair stalls were once placed in Via Mazzini and extended into the nearby streets of Santa Caterina and San Lazzaro. In 1923, the Fair was moved to Viale XX Settembre, and since then, that area of the city transforms into a lively display of toys, sweets, cotton candy, scarves, hats, and various curiosities in early December.
In 1958, San Nicolò arrived in Trieste through the Central Station, rode in a nineteenth-century carriage followed by two vehicles filled with gifts and a load of coal, and paraded through the center streets for a triumphant entrance into Viale XX Settembre. In 1965, over 600 participation requests were received, with about 300 accepted, but the space was not enough: the market broke its boundaries and overflowed into Via Battisti. During those years, the Alabarda cinema in Largo Barriera hosted the Teatro dei Piccoli, directed by Carlo Fiorello. The artist, known for talking animals led by the gorilla Makoko, presented the puppet of San Nicolò on December 6. At that time, the festive atmosphere of the fair was felt everywhere: not only at the fairgrounds but also near the Politeama Rossetti, in bookstores, stationery stores, schools, clubs, and associations. These and other images are visible in the exhibitions.
