Saint Elizabeth's Fair – Giant Turkey Festival
The ancient imperial fair of the giant turkey, since 1834
About Saint Elizabeth's Fair
A fair born from an imperial concession
In Romans d'Isonzo, in the province of Gorizia, the Saint Elizabeth's Fair has its roots in 1834, when Emperor Francis I of Austria granted the town the right to hold an agricultural fair-market. Since then, the event has never stopped, spanning almost two centuries of history and reaching its 192nd edition in 2026: one of the longest-running fairs in all of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, the fair is traditionally held in November, around the saint's feast day, transforming the town into a major meeting point between peasant tradition and popular celebration.
The Giant Turkey Festival and the giant turkey
The true protagonist is the dindiat, the turkey in the local dialect. The Giant Turkey Festival culminates in the spectacular giant turkey weigh-off competition: breeders present their most imposing specimens, and whoever brings the heaviest bird receives the trophy. A challenge that has made Romans d'Isonzo famous worldwide, earning it three Guinness World Records, with a record set in 2008 at over 32 kilograms.
The turkey is also the star of the table, with typical dishes prepared by the Pro Loco and local associations, such as the Gli Amici del Quaiat Cultural Association.
Funfair, markets, and Habsburg tradition
The fair retains its nineteenth-century charm combined with today's attractions: funfair, market stalls, animal exhibitions, concerts, fire-eater and juggler shows, group dances, and workshops for children. A particularly heartfelt moment is the reading of the imperial document that recalls the fair's Habsburg origins, a symbol of the town's connection to its history.
A celebration for the entire community
Organized by the Pro Loco of Romans d'Isonzo with the support of the Municipality of Romans d'Isonzo and local associations, the Saint Elizabeth's Fair is more than just a market: it is the living story of a community that has gathered around its peasant roots for almost two hundred years.
Saint Elizabeth's Fair — edition 2026
The 192nd Edition
The Saint Elizabeth's Fair returns to Romans d'Isonzo from November 13th to 17th, 2026 for its 192nd edition. Five days of celebration featuring the giant turkey weigh-off competition, the symbol of the event, a funfair, market stalls, animal exhibitions, concerts, and typical turkey dishes prepared by local associations.
Among the most anticipated moments is the reading of the imperial document recalling the 1834 Habsburg concession that originated the fair.
Programme Saint Elizabeth's Fair 2026
November 13-17, 2026
- Giant turkey weigh-off competition ("dindiat"), with awards for the breeder of the heaviest specimen;
- Reading of the imperial document recalling the 1834 concession (traditionally around November 16th);
- funfair and attractions for families;
- markets and animal exhibitions;
- concerts, fire-eater and juggler shows, group dances;
- workshops for children;
- food stalls with typical turkey dishes.
The detailed schedule will be published by the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Romans d'Isonzo in the weeks preceding the fair.
Highlights Saint Elizabeth's Fair 2026
Prices Saint Elizabeth's Fair 2026
Practical information — Saint Elizabeth's Fair
How to get there
Romans d'Isonzo can be reached by car from the A4 motorway (Villesse-Gorizia exit). The fair takes place in the town center, in the Via delle Scuole area and surrounding streets.
Tickets
Admission to the fair is free; food and drinks and funfair attractions are subject to payment.
When
The fair is held in November, around Saint Elizabeth's feast day. In 2026, it is scheduled from November 13th to 17th.
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