Fiera del Perdono of Terranuova

A tradition spanning over four centuries

The Fiera del Perdono in Terranuova Bracciolini is one of the longest-running historic fairs in Tuscany and the entire Valdarno area. Its origins date back to 1615, when Grand Duke Cosimo II de' Medici granted the community permission to hold an annual fair on the fourth Sunday of September, including the preceding Saturday and the following Monday. Although requests had long been rejected to avoid harming the nearby Figline market, Terranuova has upheld this tradition ever since, marking the end of summer and the arrival of autumn.

The meaning of "Perdono" (Pardon)

The name of the fair is rooted in popular devotion. Starting in 1682, the event took on a religious character with the granting of indulgences and the display of the relics of the martyr Saint Titus to the faithful. This is the origin of the term "Perdono," which still defines the fair and the liturgical celebrations held in the parish church of Terranuova, in the heart of the municipality in the province of Arezzo.

A major Valdarno trade show

Today, the Fiera del Perdono is much more than a market: it is a widespread popular festival that enlivens the streets and squares of the historic center for five days. Its historic highlights include:

• The Valdarno Livestock Exhibition, one of the last major cattle shows in Tuscany, featuring bovine, sheep, and goat breeds, as well as an educational farm;
• The Valdarno Trade Fair and the Agricultural Fair, showcasing agricultural machinery and local producers;
• The National Decoy Bird Fair, a major draw for enthusiasts from all over Italy;
• The Porchetta Festival, featuring a competition for the best porchetta;
• The Funfair, flea markets, hobbyist stalls, and numerous food stands.

Local flavors and culture

The fair promotes the food and wine excellence of the Upper Valdarno through collaborations with the Rural and Organic District, Slow Food Valdarno, and the Producers' Market. The star of the show is the white Valdarno chicken, an indigenous breed that symbolizes local farming traditions. The cultural space "La fortuna di essere qui" (The luck of being here), set up in the town squares, hosts cooking shows, tastings, workshops, presentations, and meetings on sustainable agriculture and the environment.

Sports and entertainment

One of the most anticipated events is the Ruota d'Oro - Gran Premio Festa del Perdono, a historic international cycling race for the Under-23 category, which brings young cycling prospects to Terranuova Bracciolini. The program is rounded out by photography exhibitions, vintage bicycle displays, and entertainment for families and children.

A community identity festival

Organized by the Municipality of Terranuova Bracciolini in partnership with the Pro Loco, the Fiera del Perdono remains the most important event in the Valdarno—a vibrant, deeply felt celebration that unites historical memory, farming identity, and the promotion of the Arezzo territory.