Saint Joseph's Fair

The city's most beloved festival

The Saint Joseph's Fair is much more than a market: it is the identity event of La Spezia, a tradition that has been held without interruption since 1654. For over 370 years, the city has come to a standstill to celebrate its patron saint with one of the largest and oldest fairs in Liguria.

Over 600 stalls over four kilometers

The heart of the event is the large market: more than 600 stalls—including about thirty reserved for non-profits and associations—are spread along a route of almost 4 kilometers, covering an exhibition area of approximately 15,000 square meters. Alongside vendors selling clothing, crafts, and general merchandise, a significant portion is dedicated to food, with over a hundred food stalls offering both sweet and savory specialties.

A route through the historic center

The fair winds through the main streets of the center: Viale Mazzini, Via Don Minzoni, Via Chiodo, the Passeggiata Morin, Via Persio, Via Cadorna, Viale Diaz, the area of Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Bayreuth, and Piazza Europa. This itinerary allows visitors to discover the most authentic and vibrant side of the provincial capital.

Saint Joseph and the sea

In the capital of the eastern Ligurian province, the Saint Joseph's Fair is now an integral part of the city's civil calendar. In years when it coincides with the maritime festival Velarìa, the celebration takes on an even broader dimension, uniting tradition, the sea, and culture in one grand event.