The traditional fair, from Wednesday to Wednesday, in the first week in December, began in 1922. The traditional Christmas market features over a hundred vendors. Children are invited to meet Saint Nicholas, who gives each child a sock filled with treats. A medieval festival on the last day features jugglers, stilt walkers and fire eaters. There is also a large charity fundraiser, "St. Nicholas in Motion," to provide gifts for less fortunate children. It is a parade that takes place on motorcycles and scooters; over 1000 people participate. St. Nicholas tradition in Trieste developed out of the centuries the area belonged to Austria and has much in common with Austria, rather than Italy.