copyright Emilio Latini

The Illumination of the Tree in Castelbellino happens between late November and early December, and has by now become the official recognition of the beginning of the festivities. The big bright tree lying on the hill of Castelbellino illuminates the whole of the central part of the valley. Made of 73 perimetral neon lights, with a difference in height from the tip to the valley floor of 134 metres (side length of 434 metres) the tree breaks record numbers with an area of 21,360 square metres and 7,000 metres of cables. Entertainers, contortionists, jugglers, music bands, dancers and fireworks are added to local gastronomic proposals: winter polenta, seasonal specialties, a type of pancake made from polenta called cresciole. The event introduces the Christmas Markets of 8th December, in the historic centre, which have become among the most popular in the province of Ancona, with the Market of Dreams, stalls for Christmas gifts, talented handicrafts, typical products, the Christmas Village and the hamlet lit up for the festivities with musicians and choirs.