Saint Lucy's Fair
The festival of nougat and stalls in the heart of Forlì
About Saint Lucy
A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Forlì
The Saint Lucy's Fair is one of the most cherished events in Forlì's calendar. Every year, on December 13th, the Corso della Repubblica and the southern side of Piazza Saffi, in the historic center of Forlì (Province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna), transform into a long open-air market announcing the arrival of Christmas. The fair is named after the Baroque church dedicated to Saint Lucy, around which this popular festival, blending religious devotion and public life, has revolved for centuries.
The stalls and the nougat
Along the Corso, about 120 stalls are set up, offering everything: clothing, accessories, home goods, toys for the little ones, and many gift ideas. But the real stars are the Christmas delicacies: nougat, brittle, sweets, and specialties that fill the air with unmistakable aromas. Nougat, in particular, is the symbol of the day.
Tradition dictates that December 13th is the festival for enamored girls: nougat is given to them as a gesture of affection and good wishes. An ancient custom that has made Saint Lucy's the sweetest festival of the year in Forlì.
The religious dimension
Alongside the fair, the religious celebration takes place. In the church of Saint Lucy, and particularly in the adjacent cloister, the ritual blessing of the eyes, for which the Saint is the patron, is renewed throughout the day. In the past, Saint Lucy was also venerated as the patron saint of unmarried women: for young women seeking a husband, attending mass on December 13th was a public declaration of their desire to marry. Numerous masses are celebrated during the day, accompanied by the rosary, vespers, and the traditional parish market.
Atmosphere and context
Amidst the lights, stalls, and the comings and goings of Forlì's residents, the Saint Lucy's Fair marks the opening of the Christmas season in the city every year. It's an opportunity to stroll through the historic center, do some early Christmas shopping, and soak in an atmosphere that combines conviviality, tradition, and Romagnola identity. A popular and free event that draws visitors from all over the Province of Forlì-Cesena and the Romagna region.
Saint Lucy — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint Lucy's Fair will be held, as is tradition, on December 13th along Corso della Repubblica and the southern side of Piazza Saffi, in Forlì. The event maintains its established format: around 120 stalls open from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with nougat and Christmas sweets as protagonists, alongside religious celebrations in the church of Saint Lucy.
The schedule of masses, the blessing of the eyes, and the parish market will be published by the organizers closer to the date.
Programme Saint Lucy 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (mass times, blessing of the eyes, parish market) will be announced by the parish of Saint Lucy and the Municipality of Forlì in the weeks leading up to December 13th.
Usual structure of the day, based on recent editions:
- Traveling market with about 120 stalls on Corso della Repubblica and the southern side of Piazza Saffi, from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Blessing of the eyes in the cloister adjacent to the church of Saint Lucy, throughout the day.
- Masses celebrated during the day, rosary and vespers in the afternoon.
- Parish market in the morning and afternoon.
Highlights Saint Lucy 2026
The nougat and brittle stalls, the blessing of the eyes in the church of Saint Lucy, and the Christmas atmosphere that opens the festivities in the historic center of Forlì.
Prices Saint Lucy 2026
Practical information — Saint Lucy
When
December 13th, every year, from approximately 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Where
Corso della Repubblica and the southern side of Piazza Saffi, historic center of Forlì (FC).
How to get there
By train: Forlì station, about a 15-minute walk from the historic center. By car: take the Forlì exit from the A14 highway, then head towards the center; using park-and-ride facilities is recommended due to traffic restrictions in the center during the fair. The event area is pedestrianized.
Costs
Free admission.
Information
IAT - Forlì Tourist Information Office, tel. +39 0543 712362.
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Where does it take place — Saint Lucy
Corso della Repubblica
Corso della Repubblica, 47121 Forlì