Melegnano Forgiveness Fair

The Forgiveness Fair: over five centuries of history

In Melegnano, a municipality in the southern Province of Milan, the Forgiveness Fair is much more than an event: it is the soul of the city. Its origin dates back to 1560, when Pope Pius IV — born Giovanni Angelo Medici di Marignano, who was linked to these lands — granted a Bull that conferred "forgiveness," i.e., indulgence, to those who visited the church of San Giovanni Battista. Since then, every year, Melegnano celebrates that concession with a fair that is simultaneously religious, civil, and popular, now in its 460th edition.

The Historical Procession and the Bull

The highlight is the Forgiveness Thursday: from the Medicean Castle, a fortress overlooking the historic center, starts the solemn historical procession in costume, enriched by historical groups and flag-wavers. The procession crosses the city to the Minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, where the eagerly awaited exhibition of the Bull of Forgiveness, the document that gives meaning to the entire event, takes place.

The Fair, the Market, and the Shows

Around the religious heart, the great secular festival unfolds. For days, the streets of the center are filled with:

• commercial exhibitions and stalls, in line with the ancient fair tradition
• the large funfair
• stands of local associations in the Castle gardens
• tightrope walker shows and climbing walls by the CAI
• art exhibitions, book presentations, and concerts

The Gran Premio del Perdono

Among the most deeply rooted events is the Gran Premio del Perdono, a historic international cycling race dedicated to young people, held during the fair and attracting teams and enthusiasts from all over Italy.

A Tradition That Renews Itself

The Forgiveness Fair is a testament to how a papal concession from the 16th century has become, century after century, the identity of an entire community. For Melegnano and the entire southern Milanese area, it remains the most important event of the year, capable of uniting the spiritual dimension with that of a people's festival.