April Fair - The Ochette Fair

A Community Celebration in the Potters' Village

The April Fair is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Appignano, a small hilltop village in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Affectionately known as "A fiera dell'ochette" (the duckling fair), the event transforms the streets of the historic center and Piazza Umberto I into a large meeting space for an entire Sunday, where folk tradition, craftsmanship, gastronomy, and entertainment intertwine in a familiar and genuine atmosphere.

Origins and the Name "Ochette"

The fair has its roots in the post-World War II period, when the spring market was also an occasion for trading poultry and a meeting point for merchants and street artists. Hence the dialectal name "fiera dell'ochette". Today, that link to tradition is revived thanks to the small ceramic ducklings handmade by the MAV School Association - Maestri Vasai Appignanesi, which recall Appignano's ancient and prestigious vocation for working with terracotta and majolica.

Markets, Street Food, and Tradition

From the early morning hours, the village fills with stalls and stands: contemporary and vintage markets, local typical products, crafts, home decor, clothing, and toys. Numerous food stalls and street food options allow visitors to taste local specialties, while the town's restaurants open their doors to visitors.

Activities for Families and Children

The April Fair has a special focus on families. Among the most popular activities is the "Duckling Hunt", a photographic treasure hunt through the village streets to discover the ceramic ducklings hidden in the alleys. In the afternoon, there are board games, creative workshops, a building block table, Montessori-inspired activities, and face painting, as well as street theater performances that engage audiences of all ages.

Culture and Open Museums

The day is also an opportunity to discover the municipality's cultural heritage: during the fair, the "La Stanza del Telaio" Weaving Museum and the new Appignano Ceramic Art Museum are open for visits, telling the story of the artisan identity of a village that has made ceramics and artistic crafts a distinctive feature of its history.

Why Participate

More than just a market fair, the April Fair is an identity-defining moment for Appignano: a celebration that strengthens the sense of community, enhances the historic center, and welcomes visitors from all over the province of Macerata and the Marche region. Free admission for everyone.