Saint John the Baptist Fair
The historic patronal festival of Spilamberto, capital of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
About Saint John Fair
The patronal festival of Spilamberto
The Saint John the Baptist Fair is the most important event in the Municipality of Spilamberto, in the province of Modena, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. It takes place every year around June 24th, the day the community celebrates its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. Founded in 1873, the fair has spanned over a century and a half of history and is today one of the most cherished events in the Terre di Castelli area, capable of attracting thousands of visitors from all over the Modenese plain.
The Palio of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
The core identity of the fair is the Palio di San Giovanni, the historic competition organized by the Consorteria dell'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. During the event, members gather for the annual assembly and proclaim the best family-produced balsamic vinegar: hundreds of vinegar producers from the Modenese area submit their samples to rigorous selection, in a competition that rewards patience, care, and artisanal knowledge passed down through generations. Spilamberto is indeed the recognized homeland of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, also housed in the local dedicated Museum.
Five days of events and tradition
The fair enlivens the entire historic center and the charming Parco della Rocca Rangoni with a rich and varied program:
- Exhibition and food and wine stalls with typical products, street food, wine, and nocino (walnut liqueur);
- Traveling market in the historic center and the MercatINCANTO dedicated to crafts, vintage items, and handmade creations;
- Luna Park with rides and attractions for all ages;
- Exhibitions, installations, and evening concerts, as well as guided tours of monuments such as the Medieval Tower, the Rocca Rangoni, and the Balsamic Vinegar Museum;
- Workshops and shows for children, with recreational activities and puppet theater.
An event that opens the Emilian summer
Amidst the aroma of traditional Emilian dishes, music in the squares, and pride for an excellent product like balsamic vinegar, the Saint John Fair represents much more than a simple patronal festival: it is a celebration of the identity of Spilamberto and of an entire territory. For visitors, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the authentic taste of Emilia-Romagna and to experience the warm atmosphere of a community that has renewed this tradition for over 150 years.
Saint John Fair — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The 154th Saint John Fair takes place in Spilamberto from Wednesday, June 24th to Sunday, June 28th, 2026. The program enlivens the entire historic center and the Parco della Rocca Rangoni with exhibition stands, typical products, street food, and wine and nocino tastings.
Among the offerings: the Luna Park on Piazzale Monti and Viale Marconi, the traveling market on the weekend, the MercatINCANTO for crafts and vintage items on Via Sant'Adriano, photographic exhibitions and artistic installations, an area dedicated to animal welfare, and workshops for children. The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Museum, the Archaeological Museum Antiquarium, and the Medieval Tower are also open.
As tradition dictates, the Consorteria dell'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena awards the Palio di San Giovanni to the best family-produced balsamic vinegar.
Programme Saint John Fair 2026
2026 Program
- Exhibition and food and wine stalls in the Parco della Rocca Rangoni: typical products, street food, crafts
- Luna Park on Piazzale Monti and Viale Marconi: rides and attractions
- Traveling market in the historic center (Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th)
- MercatINCANTO on Via Sant'Adriano: crafts, vintage, handmade
- Palio di San Giovanni: awarding of the best Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of family production
- Exhibitions and installations: photographic exhibition "Doppia Emme Portraits – Facce da Fiera", installation "La musica sia con voi" (May the music be with you), collective exhibition by Amici dell'Arte
- Guided tours of the Rocca Rangoni, the Medieval Tower, and the city museums
- Officina Clandestina: ancient games for children; "Code dell'Altro Mondo" area dedicated to animal welfare
Highlights Saint John Fair 2026
- Palio of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
- Historic market and MercatINCANTO crafts market
- Luna Park and activities for families
- Guided tours of the Balsamic Vinegar Museum and Rocca Rangoni
Prices Saint John Fair 2026
Practical information — Saint John Fair
How to get there
Spilamberto is located about 20 km from Modena. By car, it can be reached from the A1 motorway (Modena Sud exit) following signs for Vignola and Spilamberto. By train, you can reach Modena station, connected to Spilamberto by intercity buses of the regional network.
Dates and times
The 2026 edition will be held from June 24th to 28th. Times vary depending on the day: on weekdays, openings are mainly in the evening (approximately from 7:00 PM), while on holidays, afternoon and morning openings are scheduled. The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Museum will have extended hours.
Admission and tips
Admission to the fair is free. It is recommended to park in areas outside the historic center, which is partly pedestrianized during the event, and to wear comfortable shoes for visiting the market and the Parco della Rocca Rangoni.
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Where does it take place — Saint John Fair
Centro storico e Parco della Rocca Rangoni
Piazza Caduti per la Libertà 3, 41057 Spilamberto