Saint Catherine's Fair

Over Two Centuries of History

The Saint Catherine's Fair is the quintessential historic event of Gorgonzola, in the Martesana area, province of Milan. It was established in 1785 by Duke Gian Galeazzo Serbelloni to stimulate the town's economy through the trade of goods, grains, livestock, linen, and other products. Since then, it has been held uninterruptedly every year, on the Saturday and Sunday of the week of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (November 25th), the city's patron saint.

From Mercantile Fair to Regional Fair

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the fair transformed: in the 1950s, it expanded its offerings to include crafts and local products, and in the 1980s, it obtained recognition as a regional fair. While its appearance has changed, it has retained the popular and commercial spirit of its origins, remaining a focal point for exhibitors and visitors from the entire Milan metropolitan area.

Market, Ancient Crafts, and Shows

Today, the Saint Catherine's Fair fills the historic center with stalls and market stands, exhibitions, artisans at work, demonstrations of ancient crafts and agricultural machinery, shows for children, falconry displays, a funfair, and sports competitions. It is a celebration that blends commercial, cultural, and entertainment dimensions, attracting thousands of people.

Flavors of Tradition

The gastronomic aspect is unmissable, featuring dishes that have accompanied the fair for generations: tripe, pizzoccheri, gnocchi, street food, and, of course, Gorgonzola DOP, the blue-veined cheese that bears the town's name. The Saint Catherine's Fair is thus, for Gorgonzola and the province of Milan, much more than a market: it is a collective ritual that connects past and present.