Ancient Fair of Portomaggiore

A fair spanning six centuries of history

The Antica Fiera di Portomaggiore is considered the oldest institution in the area: its first documentary evidence dates back to August 12, 1424, when Parisina Malatesta, wife of Niccolò III d'Este, lord of Ferrara, first mentioned the "Festa de Porto". Since then, in the following centuries, the event has become deeply rooted in the life of the Municipality of Portomaggiore, in the province of Ferrara, becoming one of the longest-running and most beloved fairs in Emilia-Romagna. Starting from 1660, the celebration also became linked to the devotion to the Madonna dell'Olmo, setting the appointment in September.

The 2026 edition

In 2026, the fair celebrates its 602nd edition, scheduled from Friday, September 18th to Monday, September 21st. The event is organized by Pro Loco Portomaggiore in collaboration with the municipal administration, under the patronage of the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Ministry of Agriculture. The edition is accompanied by a renewed media and editorial project, with an updated logo in the traditional yellow-blue colors and an enhanced social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The four souls of the fair

The event historically revolves around four main sectors that tell its identity:

• Agriculture: the original heart of the fair, with a demonstration day of soil cultivation machinery, conferences with national experts, and field trials in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Bologna.
• Food and Wine: stands featuring traditional local dishes from Ferrara alongside international street food.
• Entertainment: the largest amusement park in the entire province, with attractions for all ages.
• Culture: the Tracce review, with street artists, concerts, photographic exhibitions, meetings, and the traditional evening tombola.

Between tradition and community

For four days, the streets and squares of Portomaggiore are filled with stalls, shows, and thousands of visitors arriving from all over the Ferrarese region and beyond. The evening tombola, the food stands, and the amusement park coexist with more institutional moments dedicated to agricultural innovation, in a balance that is the hallmark of this centuries-old fair. The Antica Fiera di Portomaggiore is not just an entertainment event, but an identity ritual that renews the bond between the town and its long history every year.