Figure 1.

Art Wants its Share also

Sidewalks showing. It is a unique collection that shows not the art of the products but the artistry of those that put together this concoction of objects. An art in which we see pieces of various kind and doubtful taste joned together in a composition, with wheels, electric motors, expansion tanks, etc. etc. etc.: life, confusion, the present.

Figure 2.

Stipe ca truove
(Save it and you will find it)

The space is taken by a Valenzanoan nicknamed "U male latrone"

Ce acchjamjiende bbuone bbuone, Jacchje prise e capasune, Jacchje mbrjelle e carrozzèlle...  Sèrve tutte: brutte e bèlle.

If you look carefully, you will find vases and other clay products; you will find umbrellas and carts. Every piece is useful, both ugly and beautiful objects.

Figure 3.

Everything has a prize

The sign is clear: 5,000 Lire by the piece. A broad view of the large collection of articles on sale, from tablecloths to space toys.

Figure 4.

U uacce a Pecock
(Celery by Pecock)

Pecock is a nickname of unknown origin that was given to a fruit and produce vendor fifty years ago. Pecock often partnered with Sceuècchje [another nickname].

The celery stand is always present at the fair. Celery together with sharp provolone or cheese with worms are the winning combination for the palate of both Valenzanoans and out-of-towners.

Figure 5.

La "capa" nove
(New Hat)

Hat matches head

The importance of the hat is also confirmed on this occasion. The hat is the item that covers one of the most important part of the body: the head, than must think sheltered from the cold. In older times, the head covering indicated rank and wealth.

Figure 6.

Hope is like balloons

On the backdrop of the Church of Saint Maria of Loreto, at one time city hall of Valenzano and now in ruin, you can buy accessories for the bath, lamps, and fixtures. Emblematic is the presence of the modern, helium-filled balloons held down by hopeful strings.

Figures 7 e 8.

Acchemmènze u và e vjiene
(The coming and going begins)

Two photographs, one looking to the left and the other to the right of Capurso Street: left towards Bari Street, right towards the Cemetery. People on Capurso Street start out visiting various tents to buy what they need and also what they do'nt need, attracted by the sense and urge to strike a deal. It is now a tradition that sellers of coats, jackets, and heavy clothings (for the coming winter) congregate along this street.

Figure 9.

Benedètta cambagne
(God bless the fields)

The day after the fair, weather permitting, is the traditional start for the olive picking season (the gold of Puglia). The merchant knows the importance of the moment and puts out for sale light and modern cloth to spread under the tree and collect falling olives. He has a good supply; he will surely sell all of them.

Figure 10.

U frutte vole la sporte, la sporte vole u frutte
(Fruit wants basket and basket wants fruit)

On Aldo Moro Street (also called Stazione Street in older times), going towards the railroad station, we see various types of baskets for sale. The various shapes and sizes of the baskets indicate their likely application. We see also wicker trunks besides the classic baskets made of olive tree twigs.

Figure 11.

Cè jà cattà a la Fère?
(What do I buy at the fair?)

The visitors at the fair seem to be thinking: "What do I buy?" In fact you find everything at Allsaints Fair. And this is a problem; the temptations are many.
"What to buy? but I must buy something," seems to think the visitor.

Figure 12.

Scanne e sjegge
(Chairs and seats)

Here we are on Plebiscito Square. Here, the town once spread out in an open square on packed dirt. Here, fiscoli* were then laid on the ground to dry in the sun. Now the pavement of the square is tiled and in place of fiscoli we find chairs, stools, ladders, brooms, and other products and handicrafts (see Figure 13 also).

*Fiasco: Valenzano was a large production center of these circular containers that served for the grinding of the olives. It exported widely this product made by local artisans.

Figure 13.

La calder du caldera
(The Kettle and the Kettle-Maker)

Next, still on the historical opening of Plebiscito Square, we find the kettles - ready for cooking. They are in display while the craftsman rests, enjoying the view of his year-long labor.

Figure 14.

La pèzze a pèzze
(Cloth by the yard)

Artisan products and farmer implements dominate Allsaints Fair, together with olive picking drop cloths, ropes, and even cloth for homemade clothing.

Figure 15.

In the Shadow of the Saint [St. Rocco]

The market extends even in front of the Church of San Rococo, as if asking for his protection. History is full of instances when the people religion intertwines with commercial activities.

Figure 16.

Antiques - Refound Love

The restorer "Zucchere bbèlle" (in foreground) shows off the antique furniture he has restored, on the sidewalk of Capurso Street, in front of his store. The barely visible record player with megaphone is one of these rare pieces.

Figure 17.

U uattone e la rama rosse
(Brass and Copper)

The brass vendor sells articles as antiques. Prices naturally are exaggerated. And there are those that, longing for a lamp, a candle holder, or a bell, will take home good brass articles or a brass fire-holding pan that he will use over the three-legged stand he has already bought.

Figure 18.

Green among green

The small animal pens, prepared by farmers from nearby towns, are also located on Plebiscito Square, beyond the front road tents, blending among the large pines.
Note in the background the tall bell tower of the "Church of the Monks" [Saint maria of Luca] that seems to monitor silently the people and the commerce.

Figure 19.

Important ntersection

A panoramic view of the crossing of Capurso Street with Piave Streets. From here, this traditional fair extends first along Plebiscito Square and then along the other commercial streets of the town.