Ancient Fair of Fontanelice
The agricultural fair of the village in the Santerno Valley
About Ancient Fair
The Ancient Fair of Fontanelice
In the heart of the Santerno Valley, where Emilia meets Romagna and Tuscany, the village of Fontanelice (Metropolitan City of Bologna) dedicates an entire weekend every September to its Ancient Fair. It is the festival that best summarizes the identity of this small Apennine municipality: agriculture, livestock farming, gastronomy, and popular traditions intertwine along the streets of the historic center and in the Parco della Conca Verde, on the banks of the Santerno river.
A tradition born in 1672
The roots of the fair date back to a distant event. In 1672, after a violent earthquake that struck the area, the inhabitants of Fontanelice entrusted themselves to the protection of the Madonna della Consolazione, crowning her statue with a silver crown and establishing that this anniversary would be celebrated every year around September 8th. Since then, the event has become a moment of social gathering for the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding countryside. In recent decades, thanks to collaboration with local farms, the festival has transformed into a showcase for the promotion of Fontanelice and the entire valley.
What to experience at the fair
The program alternates moments dedicated to the rural world with those of pure entertainment:
- Livestock exhibition showcasing the native breeds of Emilia-Romagna, especially the Romagnola cattle breed, a symbol of the area's animal biodiversity;
- Exhibition of agricultural machinery and vintage tractors, telling the story of the evolution of farm work;
- Extraordinary market along the village streets, with stalls of typical products, handicrafts, and local specialties;
- Gastronomic stands managed by local associations, where you can taste traditional Romagnola cuisine accompanied by local wines and craft beers;
- Children's entertainment, workshops, tree climbing, and play areas;
- Live music and folk shows that liven up the evenings.
A village to discover
The fair is also the ideal opportunity to discover Fontanelice and its Santerno Valley, a land of waters, trails, and genuine flavors. It is no coincidence that the event dialogues with the traveling festival In mezzo scorre il fiume (In the middle flows the river), which brings art, music, and nature to the riverbanks. A day at the fair thus becomes a journey into the authenticity of the Bolognese Apennines, far from the major tourist flows but rich in tradition and hospitality.
Ancient Fair — edition 2026
Ancient Fair of Fontanelice 2026 — 20th Edition
The Municipality of Fontanelice has confirmed that the twentieth edition of the Ancient Fair will be held in September 2026, continuing the long tradition of the agricultural fair in the Santerno Valley. The administration has announced its intention to make the event "even stronger and more participatory".
The precise dates and detailed program have not yet been published at the time of writing this description. Based on previous years, the event should take place on the first weekend of September, with a preview evening on Saturday at Parco della Conca Verde and the main day on Sunday in the historic center. The traveling festival In mezzo scorre il fiume has its own event scheduled for the agricultural festival in Fontanelice on Sunday, September 6, 2026, an indication that suggests the fair will take place around that date.
The usual ingredients are confirmed: livestock exhibition of the Romagnola breed, exhibition of agricultural machinery, extraordinary market, gastronomic stands of local associations, and live music. The complete program will be announced by the Municipality in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Ancient Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 20th edition will be published by the Municipality of Fontanelice in the weeks preceding the event. The exact dates have not yet been officially confirmed at the time of writing.
Based on the established structure of recent editions, the fair typically unfolds over two days:
Saturday — Preview at Parco della Conca Verde
- From late afternoon: evening with gastronomy, street food, and stalls of local agricultural producers;
- Live music and folk shows in the evening.
Sunday — Main day in the historic center
- Morning: opening of the livestock exhibition of the Romagnola breed and the exhibition of agricultural machinery;
- Extraordinary market along the village streets;
- Gastronomic stands of Fontanelice associations;
- Workshops, tree climbing, and play areas for children.
The names of the artists and the precise times for 2026 have not yet been announced: this description will be updated upon publication of the official program.
Highlights Ancient Fair 2026
Prices Ancient Fair 2026
Practical information — Ancient Fair
How to get there
Fontanelice is located along the SS 610 Selice-Montanara Imolese road, in the Santerno Valley. By car from Imola, take the SS610 towards Firenzuola (about 20 minutes). The nearest train station is Imola, on the Bologna-Rimini line, connected to Fontanelice by interurban bus lines.
When
The fair is traditionally held on the first or second weekend of September, with a preview evening on Saturday and the main day on Sunday.
Admission
Access to the fair and exhibitions is free. Gastronomic stands and some activities have pay-as-you-go rates.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to walk through the streets of the center and the exhibition area. Arrive in the morning on Sunday, when the livestock exhibition and the market are concentrated.
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Where does it take place — Ancient Fair
Centro storico e Parco della Conca Verde
Via VIII Dicembre 1944, 40025 Fontanelice