by Nastassja Martin
Interviews: Serena Tonel, Deputy Mayor of Trieste and Councilor for Economic Policies; Elena Pellaschiar, Vice President of the Provincial Branch of Confcommercio and Head of the Retail Group; Father Rudy Sabadin, Parish Priest of San Giacomo Apostolo Parish in Trieste
The San Giacomo neighborhood will mark the feast day of its patron saint on the morning of Saturday, July 25, with a community festival featuring a craft market, family activities and cultural events aimed at bringing residents and visitors together.
The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., was presented at City Hall by Deputy Mayor for Economic Policies Serena Tonel, alongside representatives of the local business association Confcommercio and the Parish of San Giacomo Apostolo.
City officials said the initiative is intended to strengthen social life in one of Trieste’s most active commercial districts while supporting neighborhood businesses. Tonel described San Giacomo as an area that has maintained a distinct identity despite years of change, adding that the city hopes to extend the vitality seen in Trieste’s historic center to residential neighborhoods through events that attract both locals and visitors.
The festival is part of the municipality’s “Vivi Trieste” Commerce District program, which promotes urban revitalization, neighborhood commerce and the use of public spaces. The initiative focuses on supporting local businesses while encouraging cultural and social activities in districts across the city.
Elena Pellaschiar, vice president of the provincial branch of Confcommercio and head of its retail group, said events of this kind contribute to broader efforts to revitalize neighborhoods by strengthening community ties and encouraging economic activity. She noted that San Giacomo is among the districts involved in pilot projects under the commerce district program.
The parish priest of San Giacomo Apostolo, Father Rudy Sabadin, said the church will display a relic of the neighborhood’s patron saint during the celebration. He said the event offers an opportunity to reinforce connections among residents while highlighting a district that has recently seen growing numbers of visitors.
The festival will include a small market featuring locally made artisanal products, with vendors located beside the church near the children’s playground. Entertainment for families will include face painting, balloon art and activities for children.
