The small village of Varzi, nestled in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, is ready to shine under a starry sky on 13 August 2024 with one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer: the Mercatino sotto le Stelle (Market under the Stars). This event, which has now become a tradition, not only highlights the historical and architectural beauty of Varzi, but also offers a unique experience combining culture, music, gastronomy and entertainment for all ages.
When the sun sets and the first stars begin to appear in the sky, the streets and squares of Varzi come alive with a magical atmosphere. The medieval village, already evocative in itself, is transformed into a lively open-air market, where the smells of typical local products and street food mingle with the musical notes echoing through the alleys.
The main streets of the town, decorated with soft lights and lanterns, welcome stalls of all kinds: from local handicrafts to typical products, from homemade sweets to fine Oltrepò wines. Strolling among the stalls, you can discover the gastronomic excellence of the territory, buy unique handmade objects and be tempted by the many delicacies offered by the exhibitors.
Music is the real protagonist of the Mercatino sotto le Stelle. Every corner of the village resounds with melodies ranging from the classics of the 1960s to modern rhythms and folk dialect traditions. In Piazza XXV Aprile, the group I Barracuda 60 will take the public back in time with a timeless repertoire, which will revive the great hits of the past, creating a nostalgic but always current atmosphere.
A few steps away, in Via Porta Nuova, under the evocative arcades of the old market, Gianni Rovegno will entertain visitors with his live music, creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere, where one can stop and enjoy a good glass of wine while being lulled by the notes.
But the Mercatino sotto le Stelle is also an opportunity to rediscover local traditions. In via Pietro Mazza, the folk dialect group Trifoi Band will bring back to life the sounds and songs typical of the Oltrepò, a tribute to the cultural roots of Varzi and its rural traditions, which still live on in the hearts of the inhabitants.
For lovers of modern music, the real focus of the evening will be Piazza della Fiera. Here, two stages will host live performances that will satisfy the tastes of a heterogeneous audience. DJ Roberto Giovati and Max Pensa, with their enthralling sets, will transform the central area of the square into an open-air dance floor, where it will be impossible to resist the temptation to let loose to the rhythm of the music. The Angolo Bar, on the other hand, will feature DJ Popi.
The Market under the Stars in Varzi is not just an event, but an experience involving all the senses. The sight is captured by the beauty of the illuminated village, the hearing by the melodies wafting through the air, the taste by the gastronomic delights, the sense of smell by the aromas of local products, and the sense of touch by the handicraft objects displayed on the stalls.
On 13 August 2024, do not miss the appointment with the Market under the Stars in Varzi: an unforgettable night awaits you in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, where the magic of the medieval village will make you daydream.
