Saint Joseph's Festival and Fair
The historic spring fair in the village of Castelvecchio di Monte Porzio
About Saint Joseph's Fair
A fair that tells the peasant history of the Cesano Valley
The Saint Joseph's Festival and Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the Municipality of Monte Porzio, in the heart of the Cesano Valley in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino. The fair takes place in the picturesque village of Castelvecchio, a hilly hamlet of Monte Porzio, and attracts visitors from all over the Marche region every spring.
Its origins date back to 1862, when it was officially established as a market of great importance for the peasant economy: an event dedicated to the exchange of animals and agricultural products, fundamental for the families of the area. Over time, that market has transformed into a true popular festival, capable of keeping the traditions and identity of this community alive.
When it takes place
To respect the saint's feast day, the fair takes place every year on the Sunday immediately following March 19th, the day dedicated to Saint Joseph. The main day is often preceded by an evening prologue on Saturday, with music and tastings to kick off the celebrations.
What to find at the fair
The streets of Castelvecchio fill with colors, scents, and sounds. The program combines market, popular culture, and conviviality:
- Stalls of artisans and producers, with typical products and local crafts along the village streets.
- Ancient crafts and demonstrations of the peasant arts of the past.
- Traditional games for adults and children, entertainment, and workshops for children.
- Folk music and dances that accompany the day.
- Food stalls with traditional Marche peasant dishes, prepared by Pro Loco volunteers.
A living tradition, preserved by the Pro Loco
The organization is managed by the Pro Loco Monte Porzio Castelvecchio APS, a social promotion association that has been preserving and promoting this event for years with the patronage of the Municipality. The fair is today an example of how an event born for economic reasons has become an occasion for meeting and sharing, a way to rediscover the rural roots of the territory and to experience a day of authentic celebration together.
If you are looking for a genuine experience away from mass tourism, the Saint Joseph's Festival and Fair is the right opportunity to discover a Marche village and its people, amidst peasant flavors and traditions that withstand time.
Saint Joseph's Fair — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint Joseph's Festival and Fair took place on the weekend of March 21-22, 2026, respecting the tradition of holding the fair on the Sunday following March 19th. The dates were confirmed by the Pro Loco Monte Porzio Castelvecchio APS, the organizer of the event.
As every year, the streets of the village of Castelvecchio came alive with artisan stalls, demonstrations of ancient crafts, traditional games, children's entertainment, and food stalls with Marche peasant cuisine dishes prepared by volunteers. The fair confirmed its role as an identity-building event for the community of Monte Porzio, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino.
Programme Saint Joseph's Fair 2026
The established format of the fair includes a main day on Sunday, often preceded by a prologue on Saturday evening with music and tastings of local food and wine specialties.
Sunday — main day
- Morning — opening of the traditional fair with stalls along the village streets.
- Stalls of artisans, producers, and demonstrations of ancient crafts.
- Traditional games and popular tournaments, entertainment, and workshops for children.
- Music and entertainment in the streets of Castelvecchio.
- Food stalls for lunch and dinner with traditional peasant dishes.
The detailed schedule of events for the 2026 edition was not fully published on the official channels at the time of data collection.
Highlights Saint Joseph's Fair 2026
The historic 19th-century fair, stalls of artisans and ancient crafts in the streets of the village of Castelvecchio, traditional games, and Marche peasant cuisine offered at the Pro Loco's food stalls.
Prices Saint Joseph's Fair 2026
Practical information — Saint Joseph's Fair
Where it takes place
The fair is held in the historic village of Castelvecchio, a hamlet of Monte Porzio (PU), in the Marche region.
How to get there
By car: from the SS16 Adriatica, reach Marotta/Mondolfo and then head inland towards Monte Porzio and Castelvecchio. From the A14 motorway, exit at Marotta-Mondolfo. The nearest train station is Marotta-Mondolfo on the Adriatic line, from which you can continue by car to the hilly village.
Admission
Access to the fair is free. Food stalls and market stalls require payment for consumption and purchases.
Contacts
Pro Loco Monte Porzio Castelvecchio APS, Piazza Garibaldi 3, Monte Porzio. Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Saint Joseph's Fair
Borgo di Castelvecchio