May 1st Fair in Borgo

A Village Festival in the Sibillini Mountains

The May 1st Fair is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Arquata del Tronto, a municipality in the Province of Ascoli Piceno, in the far south of the Marche region, where the central Apennines meet the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The fair takes place in the hamlet of Borgo, one of the inhabited centers of the municipal territory, and attracts residents, hikers, and visitors from neighboring towns every year.

Flavors, Crafts, and Traditions

The heart of the event is the long line of food stalls and exhibitors that accompanies the stroll along the village streets: typical products, local specialties, and artisanal crafts of the mountain Piceno area. Among the most anticipated moments is the cheese production demonstration, curated by local farms, which showcases the phases of traditional cheesemaking live, an ancient heritage of these mountains where shepherding has always played a central role.

Hikes, Bikes, and Nature

The fair is also an opportunity to discover the natural environment surrounding Borgo. The program includes a bike ride (with the possibility of renting bikes and e-bikes) and a hike along the hamlet's trails, designed for families and walkers. In case of bad weather, the cycling tour gives way to an excursion dedicated to the May blooms, when the high-altitude meadows fill with color.

A Reborn Community

Arquata del Tronto was one of the municipalities most affected by the Central Italy earthquake of 2016. Events like the May 1st Fair have taken on a value that goes beyond a simple celebration in the years of reconstruction: they are tangible signs of a community that continues to live its territory and welcome those who choose to visit it. The day usually concludes with a moment of live music, transforming the fair into a true village festival.