Antica Fiera di Santa Caterina

A centuries-old fair on Lake Garda

Every year, on the feast day of Saint Catherine (November 25th), the village of Castelletto di Brenzone, a hamlet of Brenzone sul Garda in the province of Verona, hosts one of the oldest fairs in the upper lake area: the Antica Fiera di Santa Caterina. With over 136 years of history, it's much more than a market: it's the festival celebrating the new oil, the extra virgin olive oil from Garda fresh from the press.

Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil takes centre stage

Olive growing is an ancient vocation on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda, where the mild climate allows for the production of a light and fruity Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil. During the fair, from the early morning hours, the market offers the new oil for tasting and purchase, accompanied by bruschetta and local specialties. It's an opportunity to get a close look at the work of local oil mills and the authentic flavours of the Baldo-Garda region.

Between devotion and farming tradition

The fair has its roots in the tradition of Saint Catherine's Day, a time that once also marked the descent of livestock from the pastures of Monte Baldo towards the lake. The mass at 11 am and the snack at the oil mill in the afternoon punctuate a day that intertwines popular faith, rural culture, and gastronomy. An event cherished by the entire community of Brenzone sul Garda.