Ancient Fair of Saint Michael of Loreo

Eight Centuries of History

The Ancient Fair of Saint Michael of Loreo is the third oldest fair in Veneto, after those of Verona and Vicenza. Its roots date back to the Late Middle Ages: born as a livestock fair, it is now the main event in the calendar of Loreo, in the province of Rovigo, in the heart of the Veneto Delta del Po Regional Park. The occasion is linked to Saint Michael the Archangel, celebrated on September 29th.

The Serenissima Re-enactment

The core identity of the fair is the Venetian historical re-enactment curated by the Castrum Laureti group: the arrival of Doge Pietro Ziani in Loreo to preside over the flag-raising ceremony of the Serenissima, the medieval village, the historical pageant, the "Convivio del Canal" with musicians and jesters, ladies and knights who bring the town back to the atmosphere of the Dogado.

Market, Funfair, and Fireworks

Around the re-enactment, the fair offers:

• a large open-air market and typical products;
• the permanent funfair;
• tastings of local specialties;
• sports, artistic, and musical shows;
• fireworks to close the celebrations.

Experiencing the Ancient Fair of Saint Michael means immersing yourself in a centuries-old tradition, where the history of the Serenissima and the soul of the Po Delta merge into one of the most cherished festivals in the Polesine region.