May Fair of Basilicanova
Edition 2026 Circus Gastronomy Local produce

May Fair of Basilicanova

The spring fair of the hamlet of Basilicanova, in the municipality of Montechiarugolo

Montechiarugolo — Parma (034) Since 1973
Dates 10 May โ€” 10 May 2026
Location Montechiarugolo (034)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About May Fair

The May Fair is the big spring festival of Basilicanova, a hamlet in the municipality of Montechiarugolo, in the province of Parma. For over forty years, on a Sunday in May, the village streets come alive with a mixed-merchandise market, traditional games for children and adults, circus art shows, a funfair, and the unmissable fried cake with typical cured meats prepared by volunteers. A day of socializing, tradition, and Emilian flavors with free admission.

The spring festival of Basilicanova

The May Fair is one of the most cherished events in the hamlet of Basilicanova, in the municipality of Montechiarugolo, in the province of Parma. It is a long-standing tradition: in 2013, the event celebrated its fortieth anniversary, demonstrating how deeply rooted it is in the local community. Every year, on a Sunday in May, the streets of the town, particularly Via Garibaldi, transform into a large festive space, while Piazza Ferrari hosts attractions for the little ones.

A program for adults and children

The day, usually running from 9 am until evening, offers a program designed to entertain the whole family. Among the most popular attractions are the "Traditional Games", an area dedicated to classic pastimes that have marked the history of village squares, and the circus art shows, with acrobatics and performances animating the afternoon. The funfair remains open for the entire duration of the fair, while along the streets, a mixed-merchandise market unfolds, featuring creative crafts, clothing, and seasonal accessories.

The flavors of the territory

Gastronomy, the true heart of Parmesan tradition, is a must. The signature dish of the fair is the fried cake accompanied by typical cured meats, prepared on the spot by Pro Loco volunteers. It's the perfect opportunity to taste the gastronomic excellences of Emilia-Romagna in a popular festive atmosphere, among friends and families.

A community tradition

The May Fair is organized by the Pro Loco of Basilicanova in collaboration with the Municipal Administration of Montechiarugolo and local associations and traders. More than just a market, it represents a moment of social gathering that celebrates local roots and the identity of a village in the Parma plain. Admission is free and the event is open to all.

May Fair โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the May Fair took place on Sunday, May 10th in Basilicanova, from 9 am until evening. A day of celebration with traditional games, circus shows, a funfair, a market, and the famous fried cake with cured meats, all focused on socializing and local excellences.

The 2026 May Fair was held on Sunday, May 10th in Basilicanova, a collaboration between the Pro Loco of Basilicanova and the Municipal Administration of Montechiarugolo. The event offered a rich program designed for all ages.

From 11 am, the "Traditional Games" were the highlight, an area dedicated to classic pastimes. From 3 pm, the afternoon came alive with grand circus art shows, featuring acrobatics and performances. The funfair was open all day, alongside the market with creative crafts, clothing, and accessories. On the gastronomic front, the "Il Biroccino" stand offered the signature dish: fried cake and typical cured meats, prepared on the spot by volunteers.

Programme May Fair 2026

  • From 9 am โ€” Opening of the fair and the mixed-merchandise market along the village streets
  • From 11 am โ€” "Traditional Games" for children and adults
  • From 3 pm โ€” Circus art shows with acrobatics and performances
  • All day โ€” Funfair open
  • "Il Biroccino" food stand โ€” Fried cake and typical cured meats prepared by volunteers

Highlights May Fair 2026

Fried cake and typical cured meats, traditional games, circus art shows, all-day funfair.

Prices May Fair 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — May Fair

How to get there

Basilicanova is a hamlet in the municipality of Montechiarugolo, in the province of Parma. It is easily accessible by car from Parma along the provincial roads in the foothills. The TEP public transport service connects the area with the provincial capital (line 2706 is usually diverted during the fair to allow for activities).

Hours and admission

The fair generally takes place on Sundays from 9 am until evening. Admission is free. For updates on dates and the program, consult the Pro Loco of Basilicanova Facebook page and the website of the Municipality of Montechiarugolo.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Noticed an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Where does it take place โ€” May Fair

Centro di Basilicanova

Via Garibaldi, 43022 Montechiarugolo

Contact May Fair

May Fair in brief

Circus Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Playful Crafts Outdoor Free Parma

History of May Fair