Ancient Saint Joseph's Fair

A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Montefeltro

The Ancient Saint Joseph's Fair is one of the most deeply rooted and anticipated events in the calendar of Macerata Feltria, a splendid village in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region, included in the prestigious list of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages. Every year, coinciding with the liturgical feast of Saint Joseph, the third weekend of March, the streets and squares of the town fill with stalls, voices, colors, and scents, welcoming spring with an event that has its roots in a centuries-old tradition.

Over 300 stalls and a sea of colors

The heart of the fair is the large open-air market: more than 300 stalls wind through the historic center, from the medieval core of the castle to the lower village of Mercatale. The offering is vast and ranges across the most diverse categories:

• Flowers and plants: the substantial horticultural section is one of the most beloved, a true anticipation of the good season;
• Clothing and household items;
• Agricultural machinery and equipment, in line with the rural vocation of the area;
• artisanal products, gift items, and merchandise of all kinds.

The flavors of the Marche hinterland

The fair is also a delicious opportunity to discover the specialties of Montefeltro. The food and wine stands offer local delicacies, from piadina to porchetta, from cured meats to local cheeses. Macerata Feltria also boasts a Municipal Designation of Origin that protects traditional products such as walnut cake, bostrengo, castagnole, salami, and porchetta.

The Agriculture Conference

The renowned Agriculture Conference is linked to the event, which for over forty years has been a fundamental appointment for the agricultural policies of the inland areas. It is usually held on Saturday mornings in the multimedia room of the Mountain Community, bringing together experts, administrators, and industry operators to discuss the future of agriculture in the hinterland.

A village to discover

Visiting the Saint Joseph's Fair is also the perfect opportunity to explore Macerata Feltria, an ancient center of Roman origin and later a fief of the Duchy of Urbino after its conquest by Federico da Montefeltro in 1463. Within its walls are the Civic Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo del Podestà, the Vintage Radio Museum, and the suggestive Terme di Pitinum, fed by the sulfurous springs of Certalto. The fair, with its lively and festive atmosphere, is the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the identity of this authentic corner of the Marche.