Since I joined Di Mano in Mano, many people have told me how unique Mercanteinfiera is. I admit I was very skeptical until I actually went there myself.

In the Cooperative, I don’t usually handle transportation or sales; in fact, I do something entirely different. But yesterday (Thursday, September 27), together with my colleagues, I headed down to Parma for my first Mercanteinfiera (which this year runs from September 29 to October 7).

But let’s go in order. My day started at 4 in the morning because the early bird catches the worm! (Not so much for the stands, which are, of course, pre-assigned, but to get the vans parked in the front rows and unload more easily).

Woke up with a bit of jetlag and headed to our Cambiago headquarters to hop into a van and set off for Parma. By 6:30, we arrive and secure a spot in the front rows: a good start…

As soon as the gates opened, all the vendors were seized by the sacred fire of setting up.

Some with a few pieces of furniture, others with vans packed with unique items, some with taxidermied animals—everyone was rushing back and forth to finish their setup as quickly as possible and start bargaining.

By 9:00, we, having come in full force to Parma, had unloaded and set up two stands (among the largest in Pavilion 3). We’re almost ready for the Guinness World Records!
I take the opportunity to stroll around Pavilion 3 and feast my eyes: I’ve never seen so much antique furniture all at once.
And to think, here in Cambiago, we have five warehouses full of items; we’re not exactly small…

There are really so many stands and even more unique pieces. Besides antiques, there are also many mid-century modern furnishings and a wealth of artwork.

I finish the tour and head back to our stand (which, by the way, is one of the nicest!). Ready, set, go—we head back to base.
Oh, and my colleagues were absolutely right: Mercanteinfiera is truly a special event!