Even though changes in consumer behaviour led to the decline of markets and fairs during the 20th century, the town of Huttwil in Oberaargau has been investing in keeping this tradition alive for several years now. Alongside the weekly vegetable market featuring regional products, there are also markets and festivals such as the spring market (Frühlingsmärit), summer evening market (Summernachtsmärit), onion market (Zibelemärit) and autumn market (Herbstmärit). There are also themed markets and fairs such as the Christmas market, the cheese market and a historical craft market. The large number of markets in this rather small town, which is no longer located on a main traffic route, demonstrates the significance of the market tradition. Thanks to the recent engagement of the people of Huttwil as well as local clubs and the municipality, these traditional markets have been able to undergo renewal, adapt to current needs and maintain their vitality.
Huttwil is preserving its heritage as a formerly important market town on the route between between Bern and Lucerne. The beginnings of Huttwil's rights to hold markets are not documented but are first mentioned in writing in 1467. Over the centuries, the markets of Huttwil served as the setting for various gatherings, both real and imagined: It served as a meeting point for the first Bernese assembly in the run-up to the Peasants' War, it was the site of a bridal show in Jeremias Gotthelf's work, and Carl Albert Loosli also set the events of a novella at a Huttwil market.
