Ancient Fair of Fontanelice

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.