by InTrieste
The best of Friuli Venezia Giulia is taking center stage at Artigiano in Fiera, Milan’s premier artisan fair, running from November 30 to December 8 at Fieramilano Rho. With 29 regional exhibitors representing the diversity and craftsmanship of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the event serves as a vibrant showcase of the region’s rich artisan traditions.
PromoTurismoFVG, the regional tourism agency, has set up an expansive 800-square-meter institutional space in Pavilion 3, alongside a curated collective of 29 artisan businesses, led by Fab FVG and Cata FVG. These exhibitors, spanning sectors like food & wine, textiles, and home decor, are offering visitors a taste of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s distinctive craftsmanship. The stand includes a mix of traditional and contemporary products, many bearing the “Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia” label.
In addition to the artisan products, the region’s natural beauty is highlighted with four dedicated zones depicting landscapes that range from the sea to the mountains, vineyards, and the Tagliamento River. These spaces offer visitors an opportunity to relax and sample local specialties. Promoting the region’s tourism, the fair also features an info point and has Friuli Venezia Giulia’s branding prominently displayed on LED screens across the fairground with the message “Voglia di vacanze” (“A Desire for Holidays”), inviting attendees to explore the region.
A Wealth of Local Goods: Gift Ideas from Friuli Venezia Giulia
The fair’s food and drink offerings are a standout feature. Visitors can sample a range of traditional products, including cured meats, cheeses, prosciutto, trout, frico (a cheese dish), and gubana (a sweet pastry). For those seeking unique gifts, there are also honey, jams, wines, and specialty liquors, alongside hand-crafted items such as knives, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and home decor. Each product represents the region’s commitment to quality and originality, deeply rooted in the traditions of its people.
At the Friuli Venezia Giulia stand, guests can enjoy typical Carnic and Friulian cuisine, alongside wines and beers from local producers. Authenticity is at the heart of the artisan creations on display, each piece reflecting a commitment to both tradition and innovation.
The fair is also a celebration of local culture and heritage. Over the first weekend (November 30 and December 1), the Italian School of Manuscripts, based in San Daniele del Friuli, offered live demonstrations of parchment writing. The second weekend (December 7 and 8) will feature the Pro Loco of Rojale, showcasing scus, a traditional craft using corn husks to create decorative and practical objects, a technique that has been passed down through generations.
Regional Collaboration and Engagement
The participation of students from the Ial FVG, a regional school for vocational training, further emphasizes the region’s commitment to fostering new talent in the artisan sector. The collaboration between regional businesses, local schools, and tourism agencies highlights Friuli Venezia Giulia’s focus on promoting its artisanship not only to a domestic audience but to international visitors as well.
Artigiano in Fiera is not just a local exhibition but an international celebration, drawing artisans from 90 countries. This year’s event features 2,800 exhibitors across eight pavilions and boasts more than a million visitors. The fair’s ability to blend the physical and digital realms — with over 1.8 million registered users engaging through its platform — creates a unique “phygital” experience, extending its reach far beyond the exhibition halls.
For those visiting Milan, Artigiano in Fiera provides a perfect opportunity to explore Friuli Venezia Giulia’s cultural and artisanal treasures. From exquisite craftsmanship to authentic flavors, the region’s contribution to the global artisan community is evident in every booth and every product.
