Candlemas Fair – Arts & Flavors of the Rovere
A centuries-old fair in the shadow of the Rovere Sanctuary, featuring crafts, flavors, and tradition
About Candlemas Fair
A fair with over three centuries of history
The Candlemas Fair in San Bartolomeo al Mare, in the province of Imperia, is one of the oldest fairs on the western Ligurian Riviera: its origins date back to the 17th century, when it marked the end of the olive harvest, a time when farmers stocked up on provisions for spring and negotiated contracts for the sale of oil. Even today, it retains a strong economic, social, and religious value for the territory.
Arts & Flavors of the Rovere
The fair takes place around the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rovere and is divided into several thematic areas:
- Crafts in the Sanctuary square;
- Food and wine stalls with local flavors;
- Flowers and plants, nurseries, and hobby exhibitors;
- Animal exhibition and educational activities for children, including introductory horse riding and donkeys from a local park.
Spirituality, history, and territory
The event combines the religious dimension linked to the Sanctuary with historical research from the Civic Museum: initiatives include urban trekking to discover Roman history (the ancient sacred wood Lucus Bormani), stories about the 17th-century origins of the market, and reenactments of Roman military training. Religious celebrations, with the blessing of candles on Candlemas Day, accompany the entire duration of the fair.
Candlemas Fair — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 25th Candlemas Fair, scheduled from Sunday, February 1 to Tuesday, February 3 around the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rovere. The event, organized by the Municipality of San Bartolomeo al Mare, confirms the formula that combines crafts, flavors, spirituality, and historical research.
Among the new features are urban trekking routes focusing on the area's Roman past and reenactments of Roman military training with weapon demonstrations, curated with the guidance of Marina Caramellino and the Civic Museum.
Programme Candlemas Fair 2026
Sunday, February 1
- Opening of the fair around the Rovere Sanctuary;
- Blessing of the candles ceremony (Candlemas);
- Craft, food and wine, flowers and plants stalls.
Monday, February 2 & Tuesday, February 3
- Animal exhibition and educational activities for children (introductory horse riding, donkeys);
- Urban trekking on the Roman past (Lucus Bormani);
- Historical reenactments of Roman military training;
- Stories about the 17th-century origins of the market and religious celebrations.
Highlights Candlemas Fair 2026
Prices Candlemas Fair 2026
Practical information — Candlemas Fair
How to get there
San Bartolomeo al Mare is on the Via Aurelia (SS1), in the Gulf of Diano. By car, take the Imperia Est exit of the A10 motorway. The nearest train station is Diano Marina, a few kilometers away.
Admission
Free admission to the fair. Food and wine stalls and some activities are paid.
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Where does it take place — Candlemas Fair
Santuario della Madonna della Rovere
Piazzale del Santuario della Madonna della Rovere, 18016 San Bartolomeo al Mare