Fiere di San Settimio
Jesi's historic fair in honour of the patron saint, featuring stalls, vintage items, and tombola
About Fiere di San Settimio
The Fiere di San Settimio, the popular soul of Jesi
The Fiere di San Settimio are the most cherished event of Jesi's autumn: for three days, the historic centre of Jesi, in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region, fills with colourful stalls, street food aromas, and live music. It's a popular and commercial fair that blends trade, crafts, local flavours, and entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the Vallesina area and the region.
A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages
The fair is one of the oldest in the area: its origins traditionally date back to 1304 and it has always been linked to the cult of San Settimio, the city's first bishop and patron saint, whose religious feast day falls on September 22nd. The Cathedral of Jesi is dedicated to him, and over the centuries, a great civil and mercantile festival has developed around his memory, which still marks the end of Jesi's summer.
Stalls throughout the centre
The heart of the event is the hundreds of stalls distributed in the so-called upper zone and lower zone of the centre, along Corso Matteotti, Piazza Federico II, Piazzale dei Partigiani, and Piazzale San Savino. The range of goods is vast:
- General trade: clothing, footwear, household items, accessories
- Artistic and traditional crafts: wrought iron, wicker, ceramics
- Local agricultural products sold directly by producers
- Hobbyists and creators with handmade items and gift ideas
Every year, the Municipality awards the Premio Bancarella (Stall Award) for the best exhibition setup, an accolade that rewards the operators' care and creativity.
The vintage area and 1950s music
One of the most beloved attractions is the Vintage Festival set up in the Porta Valle area (the former ice-skating rink): here, among stalls of collectibles and vintage items, there are free dance classes and live 1950s music concerts, in a retro atmosphere that draws large crowds every evening. There's also a section dedicated to craft beer in the historic centre, perfect for accompanying the festive evenings.
The traditional tombola
The highlight of the fair is the grand tombola of San Settimio in Piazza della Repubblica, a true city institution promoted with the support of volunteer associations like AVIS and AIDO. The square fills with players and onlookers awaiting the draw, in a moment of collective celebration that unites different generations of Jesi residents.
The Fiere di San Settimio are much more than a market: they are an identity ritual for Jesi, an occasion for the entire city to gather in its streets to celebrate the patron saint and bid farewell to summer.
Fiere di San Settimio — edition 2026
For 2026, the Municipality of Jesi has confirmed the classic fair format, managed directly "in-house" to contain costs while maintaining commercial variety and safety standards. The event extends into the upper and lower zones of the historic centre, with Piazza Spontini excluded due to ongoing work.
The Fiere di San Settimio remain one of the identity events of Jesi and the Vallesina, capable of animating the entire city centre for days.
Programme Fiere di San Settimio 2026
Stalls and exhibition areas (September 23-25)
The 2026 edition features 453 stalls distributed throughout the historic centre, allocated as follows:
- 398 stalls for general trade
- 20 spaces dedicated to crafts (7 of which are food-related)
- 10 local agricultural producers selling directly
- 24 stalls for hobbyists and creators
The stalls are located along Corso Matteotti, Piazza Federico II (crafts and creators market), Piazzale dei Partigiani, and Piazzale San Savino.
Vintage Area - Porta Valle
In the Porta Valle area (former ice-skating rink), the Vintage Festival returns with collectibles, vintage items, free dance classes, and live 1950s music. This same area hosts the section for agri-food and regional products.
Craft Beer
In the historic centre, a section dedicated to craft beer is set up, with tastings during the fair days.
Tombola of San Settimio - Piazza della Repubblica
The traditional tombola takes place in Piazza della Repubblica with the support of volunteer associations (AVIS and AIDO). Access to the square is limited: passes are distributed in the evening, and tickets can be purchased at the stalls within the square.
Premio Bancarella (Stall Award)
During the fair, the Premio Bancarella (300 euros) is awarded to the best exhibition setup among the operators.
Highlights Fiere di San Settimio 2026
Prices Fiere di San Settimio 2026
Practical information — Fiere di San Settimio
When
The 2026 edition takes place from Wednesday, September 23rd to Friday, September 25th, 2026, with a preview on September 22nd in the lower part of the city.
Where
Historic centre of Jesi (AN): Corso Matteotti, Piazza Federico II, Piazzale dei Partigiani, Piazzale San Savino, and the Porta Valle area. The tombola takes place in Piazza della Repubblica.
How to get here
By car: take the Jesi exit from the SS76, ample parking in the park-and-ride areas on the outskirts (recommended on fair days). By train: Jesi station on the Rome-Ancona line, a few minutes' walk from the centre. By plane: Ancona Airport (Falconara), about 25 km away.
Admission
Free admission to the entire event. The tombola in Piazza della Repubblica has limited access: passes are collected in the evening, and tickets are purchased at the stalls within the square.
Contacts
Economic Activities Office of the Municipality of Jesi, tel. +39 0731 538207.
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Where does it take place — Fiere di San Settimio
Centro storico di Jesi
Centro storico, 60035 Jesi