What is the 'Gaite' Market?

A square show

How the Mercato delle Gaite was born

The event takes its name from the Gaite, from the ancient term Watha or guide, dating back to the period of Lombard domination. They were the four quarters into which the city was divided: St. George, St. John, St. Peter and St. Mary. They clashed to determine who would hold control of administrative duties. We know all this thanks to the statutes drafted in the 16th century and the information found in them. This is how it was possible to faithfully recreate the economy, town life, techniques of producing and selling products, and the arts and crafts of the inhabitants of Bevagna in medieval times.

The event today

Today the four Gaite compete in the Market, Craft, Gastronomy and Archery competitions. At the end a winning Gaita is proclaimed. Each Gaita has characterizing trades and peculiarities, for example, the Gaita of St. George is famous for metallurgy, ironworking and and minting, and excels in the art of violin making. The Gaita of S. Giovanni is distinguished for its fine craft activities based on glassmaking and the manufacture of bambagina paper sheets, which were made from rags. The Gaita of St. Peter, on the other hand, offers the art of dyeing and the making of parchment codices, and among the most important trades and workshops are that of the baker, the apothecary's store, the distillery, the herbalist shop, and the wax workshop for making candles. Finally, the Gaita di S. Maria specialized in hemp processing for the production of cloth and strong ropes.

Bambagina paper

The event begins with an opening ceremony, which takes place in Silvestri Square. It always gives a grand celebration to the members of the four Gaite and all the inhabitants and tourists who attend; traditional music, archery competitions, jugglers, jesters and musicians enliven the evening! You can refresh yourself in the open inns and taverns, where you can enjoy traditional foods and sip a glass of good Sagrantino, currently DOCG wine produced in the ancient territories of Mevania, as stated in some works of Pliny and Juvenal, or other tasty local wines! All around banners, traditional costumes and for the duration of the event also dances, theater, workshops on ancient crafts in the workshops, gastronomic and crafts competitions among the various Gaite.

The medieval market

The markets of the Gaite

The most lively and burning moment of the event is represented by the markets; each Gaita realizes its own market, from the more or less articulated and rich set-up, with local products, with the presence of artisans and masters. It is possible to find food products such as bread, cheese and fish. Handmade products such as wicker baskets, wrought iron, copper and leather objects. Still fabrics and cloths, strong ropes, or candles and paper, made according to ancient Bevanate techniques. The event ends with the proclamation of the winning gaita and the podesta handing out the prizes and the palio.