Saint George's Fair

The Feast of Ferrara's Patron Saint

The Fiera di San Giorgio is one of the events most deeply rooted in the identity of Ferrara, the capital of the province of the same name in Emilia-Romagna. The fair is named after the city's patron saint, Saint George, celebrated on April 23rd along with the co-patron Saint Maurelius. According to tradition, Saint George, the knight who defeated the dragon, was beheaded at a very young age in 303 for his Christian faith, while Saint Maurelius, a priest of Syrian origin and bishop of Voghenza, is venerated alongside him as the protector of the Ferrarese community.

Two Souls, One Celebration

The event is structured around two complementary attractions. On one hand, the large funfair, with dozens of rides and attractions that animate the city for over a month, from early April to the first days of May. On the other, the actual market fair, which on the weekend closest to the patron saint's day fills the city's avenues with over a hundred stalls and stands of all kinds.

In recent years, the Municipality of Ferrara has worked to give a coordinated image to the entire event, with a logo and mascot inspired by Saint George and the dragon, uniting the different components of the spring event under a single brand.

The Funfair

The funfair is the big draw for families and children: dozens of attractions including rides, food areas, and themed shows, with special days dedicated to the youngest. In recent editions, inclusive initiatives have been included, with mornings dedicated to people with disabilities and attractions made accessible by reducing noise and lights.

The Market Fair

The market fair is the traditional heart of the celebration: stalls selling clothing, crafts, local products, and street food animate the avenues for several days, from morning to evening, in a popular atmosphere that is part of the collective memory of the people of Ferrara.

A Tradition Looking Towards the Palio

Devotion to Saint George has its roots in medieval Ferrara: as early as the 13th century, the city held its own palio "in festo beati Georgi", on April 23rd. Even today, the most prestigious race of the Palio di Ferrara, the Palio d'oro di San Giorgio, is dedicated to the patron saint, testifying to an ancient bond between the city and its protector.