by Toma Haines
A CCC member recently
emailed, "When is the best time to visit Tuscany
for antique shopping?" In my opinion it
SHOULD BE the summer months when all the tourists descend on the heart (or
rather the "stomach") of Italy
- but my capitalistic logic goes against the grain for the well-adjusted Italians
with their life-work balance. They want
to be on holiday during the summer months just like everyone else - THUS most
flea markets are closed during the summer months in Italy!
The best flea marketing in Italy
happens during the cooler months. If
you're wanting to cash in on a contessa's cast-off, cruise into Italy March -
May or September- December! Among my
favorite Italian flea markets are Arezzos (at the Piazza Grande 1st
Sunday of the month), Lucca's (at the Piazza San
Giusto) held on the 3rd weekend of the month and a myriad of brocantage's in Milan. Start with the Milano Brocantage at the Esposizioni
Novegro Milano this April 24 - 26 and October 16 - 18.
For a Spring Fling or a Fall Flee, visit Mercanteinfiera Parma in March or
October for one of Italy's
greatest flea markets!