May Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Wine Cheese

May Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses

The centuries-old food and wine fair of Mercato Saraceno in the heart of the Savio Valley

Mercato Saraceno — Forlì-Cesena (040) Since 1500
Dates 03 May — 03 May 2026
Location Mercato Saraceno (040)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses

Every first Sunday of May, the historic center of Mercato Saraceno transforms into a journey of flavors, aromas, and tradition. The May Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses is the most representative event in the town: a festival with centuries-old origins, organized by the Pro Loco with the Municipality, celebrating cured meats, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and wines from this corner of the Cesena Apennines. Market, music, exhibitions, and tastings liven up the squares and streets of a village in the Savio Valley.

A centuries-old tradition in the Savio Valley

The May Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses is the most representative event in Mercato Saraceno, a municipality in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, in Emilia-Romagna. Its origins date back to the 16th century, and for centuries, the fair has returned punctually every year on the first weekend of May, reflecting the agricultural and gastronomic traditions that characterize the Savio Valley territory.

The star products

The heart of the fair is the local typical products, offered in stands set up between Piazza Mazzini and the streets of the historic center. Visitors can discover and taste:

  • Traditional cured meats from Romagna and the Apennines;
  • Artisanal and aged cheeses;
  • Baked goods and local specialties such as cappelletti;
  • The wines of Mercato Saraceno, recognized as a City of Wine;
  • Honey, preserves, and natural and organic agri-food products.

Market, music, and entertainment

In addition to the gastronomic stalls, the day offers a large street market, a handmade craft market, exhibitions, live music, and entertainment for adults and children. Piazza Mazzini is dedicated to natural and organic agri-food products, while the rest of the historic center hosts the market and local craft stalls.

A community event

Organized by the Pro Loco Mercato Saraceno in collaboration with the Municipality, the fair is the event of the year that every citizen of Mercato Saraceno tries not to miss. It is also an opportunity to discover a village in the Cesena Apennines, a few kilometers from Cesena, immersed in the hilly landscape of the Savio Valley.

Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the May Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses took place on Sunday, May 3, in Mercato Saraceno, on the first weekend of the month according to centuries-old tradition. The historic center hosted food stands, a street market, a handmade craft market, live music, and exhibitions, with local cured meats, cheeses, and wines as the stars.

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the historic center of Mercato Saraceno hosted the annual edition of the May Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses, confirming the event on the first weekend of May. Piazza Mazzini was dedicated to natural and organic agri-food products, while the large street market and the handmade craft market were set up in the other squares and streets of the village.

The day featured live music, exhibitions, and entertainment, with the sale and tasting of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and wines from Mercato Saraceno. The event, with free admission, was organized by the Pro Loco in collaboration with the Municipality.

Programme Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses 2026

  • Food stands with cured meats, cheeses, and artisanal products in Piazza Mazzini and the historic center;
  • Large street market and local handmade craft market;
  • Live music and exhibitions along the village streets;
  • Tastings of natural and organic agri-food products and wines from Mercato Saraceno.

Highlights Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses 2026

  • Cured meats and cheeses of the Romagna and Apennine tradition;
  • Wines from Mercato Saraceno, City of Wine;
  • Entertainment for adults and children;
  • Free admission to the historic center.

Prices Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses

How to get there

Mercato Saraceno is located in the Savio Valley, about 35 km from Forlì and a little more from Cesena. By car, it can be reached from the E45 (Mercato Saraceno exit) coming from Cesena or Tuscany. The nearest train station is Cesena, connected to the town by bus services.

Hours and admission

The fair takes place in the historic center, with indicative opening hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Admission is free.

Information

Pro Loco Mercato Saraceno - tel. +39 347 9658451 / +39 320 6885053 - email [email protected]. Municipality of Mercato Saraceno: +39 0547 356327.

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Where does it take place — Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses

Centro storico - Piazza Mazzini

Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 47025 Mercato Saraceno

Contact Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses

Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses in brief

Gastronomy Wine Cheese Local produce Farmers market Folk traditions Folklore Crafts Outdoor Free Forlì-Cesena

History of Fair of Cured Meats and Cheeses