Saint Joseph's Fair – Centenaria
Ten days of agricultural tradition, Reggiano flavors, and Luna Park in the heart of Scandiano
About Saint Joseph's Fair
A fair that has lasted for over five centuries
The Saint Joseph's Fair is one of the most beloved and deeply rooted events in Emilia-Romagna. Its origins date back to 1486, when Duke Ercole I d'Este granted Scandiano the privilege of holding an annual fair: since then, every year around Saint Joseph's Day (March 19th), the Municipality of Scandiano, in the province of Reggio Emilia, comes alive for ten days of stalls, exhibitions, flavors, and shows. It is an event known throughout the region, a showcase for local excellences and the agricultural tradition of the Reggiano territory.
The Centenaria, heart of the Fair
The exhibition hub is the Centenaria, the large exhibition of agricultural, commercial, and artisanal sectors hosted in the spaces of the Trade Fair Center: an event that since 1935 has brought together over a hundred exhibitors of agricultural machinery, equipment, local products, and crafts. Around it winds the Great Fair Market, with hundreds of stalls coloring over two kilometers of streets and squares in the historic center, featuring clothing, typical products, flowers, and curiosities.
The flavors of the Reggiano land
Gastronomy has always been a protagonist. The Fair celebrates the great products of the territory — Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, wines such as Spergola and Lambrusco, erbazzone, and cappelletti — through guided tastings, masterclasses with sfogline (pasta makers), and workshops for adults and children. There are also gastronomic competitions dedicated to traditional dishes and show cooking events that attract a large audience every year.
Fun for the whole family
Among the historic attractions is the Luna Park, with over fifty rides making it one of the largest in the province, along with food stalls and games. Guided tours of the village, exhibitions, workshops for children, and shows at the Boiardo Cinema Theater complete a program designed for all ages. The Saint Joseph's Fair is today much more than a market: it is an identity event that tells the story, economy, and culture of Scandiano and the entire Emilia-Romagna region.
Saint Joseph's Fair — edition 2026
2026 Edition: Ten Days of Flavor
The Saint Joseph's Fair 2026 was held in Scandiano from March 14 to 23, with openings on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Mondays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and on Saint Joseph's Day, Thursday, March 19th. The edition strongly focused on the flavors of the land, introducing several innovations intended to remain.
New Features
- Court of Flavors: a new tasting area dedicated to the best Italian specialties and regional excellences.
- Farmers' Market: for the first time, permanently hosted within the exhibition halls, with a floral section and areas for workshops and debates.
- Picnic Area: the Parco della Resistenza transformed into a large equipped area for consuming products purchased at the fair.
Program and Attractions
The historic Centenaria at the Trade Fair Center and the Great Market in the town's streets were confirmed. Among the events were the mayor Matteo Nasciuti's show cooking on March 19th, a guided tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano in collaboration with the Consortium, masterclasses with sfogline, workshops for children, and gastronomic competitions. As tradition dictates, the Luna Park was present with over fifty attractions.
Programme Saint Joseph's Fair 2026
Saturday, March 14
- Morning — Presentation of student projects and opening of the Fair
- Afternoon — Children's workshop on traditional Reggiano sweets
- Guided tour of the historic center from 4:00 PM (starting from Piazza Boiardo), dedicated to the history of the Fair and the village
- Evening — Introduction to Balsamic Vinegar tasting
Sunday, March 15
- 10:30 AM — Official inauguration with authorities
- Sfogline demonstrations and preparation of cappelletti
- I Grasòl ad Pretsol (pork cracklings) competition at Parco della Resistenza
- Tasting of local wines
Thursday, March 19 – Saint Joseph's Day
- Morning — Focus on erbazzone reggiano
- Mayor Matteo Nasciuti's Show Cooking
- Gastronomic masterclass in the afternoon
Saturday, March 21
- Masterclass dedicated to wine
- Children's workshop on home composting
- Guided tour of the historic center from 4:00 PM
Sunday, March 22
- Show cooking with Elena Mazzali
- Guided tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano with the Consortium
- First edition of the Gnòc Frètt (gnocchi) competition
- Children's workshop on spring cookies
Throughout the Fair: Great Market in the town's streets, Centenaria exhibition at the Trade Fair Center, and Luna Park with over fifty attractions.
Highlights Saint Joseph's Fair 2026
Prices Saint Joseph's Fair 2026
Practical information — Saint Joseph's Fair
When
Every year in March, around Saint Joseph's Day (March 19th), for about ten days.
Where
Historic center of Scandiano (RE) and the Trade Fair Center for the Centenaria exhibition. The Luna Park is set up in dedicated areas of the town.
Admission
Free admission to the fair and market.
How to get there
Scandiano is located about 20 km from Reggio Emilia. By car from the A1 motorway (Reggio Emilia exit), continue towards the 'pedemontana'; by train, the Reggio Emilia–Sassuolo line connects the center. During the Fair, it is advisable to consult the Municipality's website for parking and traffic changes.
Information
Municipality of Scandiano – Territory Promotion Service, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Saint Joseph's Fair
Centro storico e Centro Fiere di Scandiano