Epiphany Fair

The Epiphany Fair of L'Aquila

The Epiphany Fair is one of the most deeply rooted traveling markets in the Abruzzo regional capital. Every January 5th, on the eve of the Befana, the historic center of L'Aquila fills with hundreds of stalls, creating a large open-air market that effectively serves as the first fair of the year in Italy. Organized by Fiva-Confcommercio in collaboration with the Municipality of L'Aquila, the fair has become a collective ritual for the city and the entire province.

A tradition spanning over seventy years

Established around 1950, the Epiphany Fair has weathered decades of local history, even enduring the challenges following the 2009 earthquake to become a symbol of the historic center's rebirth. Recent editions have surpassed the seventy-fifth anniversary, confirming a profound bond with the L'Aquila community and public space vendors, who consider it one of Italy's most coveted fairs for quality, tradition, and visitor turnout.

The route through the heart of the city

The stalls are laid out in a loop through the main streets and squares of the center: Corso Federico II, Piazza Duomo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza San Bernardino, via Panfilo Tedeschi, via Signorini Corsi, via Zara, via Castello, via Malta, the Fontana Luminosa, viale Gran Sasso, and via Tagliacozzo. The return of vendors to Piazza Duomo, the monumental heart of L'Aquila, has given further momentum to an event that combines commerce with a stroll through the capital's historic palaces.

What to find at the fair

• Clothing, leather goods, and footwear
• Holiday sweets, nougat, and cannoli
• Cured meats, cheeses, and traditional Abruzzo products
• Costume jewelry, housewares, spices, and perfumes
• Locally sourced products from Coldiretti vendors and artisans

An event for the city and Abruzzo

With tens of thousands of visitors drawn each year, the Epiphany Fair is much more than a market: it is a moment of social connection, a rediscovery of traditions, and a vibrant celebration of the historic center during the holiday season. For L'Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo, it represents an identity-defining event that brings the Christmas holiday calendar to a beautiful close.