Maddalena Fair

One of Campania's oldest fairs

The Maddalena Fair is an event with deep roots, widely considered one of the oldest in Campania. It is held in Caiazzo, in the heart of the Alto Casertano region, province of Caserta, and stems from the centuries-old bond between the local community and the liturgical feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, celebrated on July 22nd. Since the early Christian era, this date was chosen by the Church and feudal lords for administrative and commercial duties: it was the day for delivering harvests and collecting taxes, drawing thousands of people to Caiazzo from the many hamlets of the ancient Diocese, bringing families, produce, livestock, and goods.

Piazza Porta Vetere, the heart of the event

Every year, the fair turns Piazza Porta Vetere, in the historic center of Caiazzo, into a true village dedicated to agriculture, craftsmanship, and gastronomy. Stalls open every evening from 7:00 PM, offering the flavors and typical products of the region in an atmosphere that blends rural memory with conviviality. The modern edition is promoted by the municipal administration in collaboration with Coldiretti Caserta.

The Gara del Solco and rural traditions

Among the most iconic moments is the Gara del Solco, an agricultural competition that recreates ancient plowing techniques and honors the deep bond between man and the land. The event also hosts the Ancient Threshing Exhibition, featuring displays of traditional tools and rural crafts, alongside live music and folk dances that bring the evenings to life.

A recognized heritage

The cultural and landscape value of the Caiazzo territory is evidenced by its inclusion in the National Register of Rural Landscapes of Historical Interest. Today, the Maddalena Fair acts as a bridge between medieval feudal and agricultural traditions and the contemporary promotion of the Alto Casertano's gastronomic excellence, from high-quality meats to local produce.

An event for the whole region

More than just a local festival, the Maddalena Fair is a collective ritual that involves Caiazzo and the neighboring municipalities of the Caserta and Benevento provinces. For those visiting inland Campania, it is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic Italy, defined by folk traditions, genuine flavors, and rural hospitality.