Fair of Saints Gervasio and Protasio

The patronal feast of Campagnola Emilia

The Fair of Saints Gervasio and Protasio is the most cherished festival in Campagnola Emilia, a small municipality in the Bassa Reggiana area of the province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. It is held every year around June 19th, the day dedicated to the two martyr saints Gervasio and Protasio, patrons of the town and titulars of the parish church that overlooks the historic center.

This is a fair with ancient roots, born as an agricultural and mercantile event and today has become a true community moment. For the occasion, the town dresses up for a celebration: the streets of the center and Piazza Roma host a large special market, the shops remain open, and the atmosphere becomes cheerful until evening.

What to expect

The fair blends the religious dimension with the popular and gastronomic one. During the event days, you can find:

• the large special traveling market, with dozens of stalls along the streets of the center;
• exhibitions dedicated to peasant traditions and rural life of the Bassa, as well as artistic and photographic exhibitions;
• food stalls with dishes from Reggiana cuisine;
• the funfair for children and families;
• live music and evening events animated by local associations.

The Tortello Night

The gourmet heart of the fair is the Tortello Night, an evening organized by the Pro Loco Campagnola in Piazza Roma. The protagonist is an all-Emilian and Lombard challenge between two symbolic stuffed pastas of the region: the Reggiano green tortello and the Castel Goffredo bitter tortello, served for tasting. The evening continues with music and a live concert, in a festive atmosphere that attracts people from all over the province.

A village festival to experience

The Fair of Saints Gervasio and Protasio is the perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity of a village in the Emilian plain, far from the major tourist routes. Between popular devotion, genuine flavors, and peasant traditions, it is one of those festivals where you can still breathe the truest identity of Emilia-Romagna.