Saint Catherine's Fair
The traditional fair celebrating the patron saint of Scandiano
About Saint Catherine's
A tradition in the heart of Scandiano
The Saint Catherine's Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Scandiano, a town in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. The event takes place every year in November, during the week that includes November 25th, the day on which Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the city's patron saint, is celebrated. The fair commemorates the martyrdom of the saint, which tradition holds occurred on November 25th, 305 AD in Alexandria, Egypt, and has always combined religious, popular, and commercial dimensions.
The large, widespread market
The heart of the fair is its large street market, which annually features over two hundred stalls spread along a route that crosses the main squares and streets of the historic center: Piazza Spallanzani, Piazzetta Laura Bassi, Corso Garibaldi, Corso Vallisneri, Via XXV Aprile, Piazza della Libertà, and other city squares. Among the stalls are vendors, hobbyists, local agricultural producers, artisans, and local associations, while the shops in the center remain open for the occasion.
The Funfair and Families
The Funfair is a must-see, set up in the roundabout of Parco della Resistenza, which operates for the entire duration of the fair and beyond. The rides are one of the main attractions for families and children: during the fair days, the Children's Day is a tradition, with special discounts on attractions, and special access arrangements are provided for people with disabilities.
Faith, History, and Civic Engagement
The November 25th commemoration coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: for this reason, alongside the festivities, awareness initiatives promoted by local associations, such as the #ResponsabiliTutti project, come to life. The spiritual dimension is also present, with Holy Mass in the Chiesa Grande, and in recent editions, guided tours have been offered to places linked to the cult of the patron saint, to rediscover faith, history, and art in the heart of Scandiano.
Saint Catherine's — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint Catherine's Fair is confirmed by the official public fair portal of the Emilia-Romagna Region, with three market days: Sunday, November 22, Tuesday, November 25, and Sunday, November 29, 2026, with indicative hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
A total of 207 stalls are planned, of which 94 are concessionary (mainly for the food sector) and 113 are rotational for various goods, distributed along the squares and streets of the historic center. Tuesday, November 25th, coincides with the feast day of the patron saint, Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
The detailed program of collateral events (cultural initiatives, children's activities at the Funfair, and religious appointments) will be announced by the Municipality of Scandiano in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Saint Catherine's 2026
The schedule for the three market days is confirmed:
- Sunday, November 22 — Street market in the historic center (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
- Tuesday, November 25 — Saint Catherine's Day, patron saint of the city: market and celebrations
- Sunday, November 29 — Last market day
The Funfair at Parco della Resistenza remains open for the entire duration of the fair. The full program of collateral events will be published by the Municipality of Scandiano closer to the event.
Highlights Saint Catherine's 2026
- Over 200 stalls in the historic center
- Funfair at Parco della Resistenza
- Celebration of the patron saint Saint Catherine on November 25th
Prices Saint Catherine's 2026
Practical information — Saint Catherine's
How to get there
Scandiano is located about 17 km southeast of Reggio Emilia. By car, it can be reached from the SS467 or from the Reggio Emilia exit of the A1 motorway, continuing towards the foothills. By train, it is connected from Reggio Emilia via the Reggio Emilia railway line.
Opening hours and admission
The street market takes place on the fair days during daylight hours (approximately from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM). Admission to the fair and market is free. The Funfair, at Parco della Resistenza, has extended hours on public holidays.
Tips
During the fair days, the historic center is closed to traffic: it is advisable to use the peripheral parking lots and walk to the squares. For information, contact the Municipality of Scandiano (tel. 0522 764211).
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Where does it take place — Saint Catherine's
Centro storico di Scandiano
Centro storico, Piazza Spallanzani, 42019 Scandiano