Patron Saint Adrian's Festival and Great Fair

Matelica's Patronal Feast

The Patron Saint Adrian's Festival is the most significant event in the civil and religious calendar of Matelica, a town in the upper Macerata area nestled among the Verdicchio hills, in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Every year, around September 16th, the entire community gathers around its patron saint in a celebration that combines spiritual, popular, and commercial dimensions, in a tradition renewed for generations.

The Religious Moment

The heart of the festival is September 16th, dedicated to devotion to Saint Adrian. A solemn Mass is celebrated in the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, followed by the traditional procession that winds through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by confraternities, city authorities, and the faithful. It is a moment of strong collective identity, where the city rediscovers its roots and its deep bond with the patron saint.

SuperTombola and Evening Festivities

Alongside the sacred dimension, the festival offers a rich entertainment program. Piazza Enrico Mattei, Matelica's main square, becomes the stage for the evenings: the famous Saint Adrian's SuperTombola, with its numerous prizes redeemable at local businesses, attracts many participants each year, while concerts and musical performances liven up the festival nights with live music and offerings for all ages.

The Great Saint Adrian's Fair

The following day, generally September 17th, is dedicated to the Great Saint Adrian's Fair, one of the oldest and most popular market events in the area. Hundreds of stalls invade the historic center, stretching from the squares to Viale Martiri della Libertà, with offerings ranging from clothing to crafts, from local typical products to curiosities. The fair attracts visitors from all over the valley and represents an unmissable commercial and social event for Matelica and its neighboring towns.

Matelica, City of Verdicchio

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Matelica and its territory, famous for the Verdicchio di Matelica DOC and DOCG, one of Italy's great white wines produced in this inland valley of the Marche region. Between events, visitors can stroll through the charming historic center, admire Piazza Enrico Mattei with its arcades and fountain, and savor the flavors of Marche cuisine accompanied by local wines.