Saint Martin's Fair and Welcome Saint Martin

The Patron Saint's Feast in Belluno

On November 11th, Belluno honours Saint Martin of Tours, its patron saint for centuries, with a series of events under the banner "Welcome Saint Martin – Belluno in Festa". It is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the Dolomite capital, an event that intertwines religious, popular, and commercial dimensions, transforming the historic centre into a grand meeting place.

The Traditional Fair

The heart of the celebrations is the fair, held on the Sunday closest to November 11th along the streets and squares of the historic centre. Among the stalls, you'll find a wide variety of goods and curiosities, local food products, plants, and crafts. Piazza Duomo hosts the antique market "Cose di vecchie case" (Old House Things) and a section dedicated to agricultural producers, while hobbyists set up in Via Duomo and Piazza delle Erbe.

Chestnuts, Flavours, and Traditions

In Piazza dei Martiri, in the space between the two gardens, the traditional chestnut roasting takes place with volunteer associations, accompanied by mulled wine to warm hands and hearts. The gourmet pastin, a specialty of Belluno cuisine curated by the Belluno Centro Storico Consortium, is also available. The festival preserves ancient customs, such as children knocking on doors and singing rhymes in exchange for sweets.

Music, Awards, and Culture

On the morning of November 11th, the Belluno 1867 Philharmonic band performs its traditional concert, while during the festival days, solemn ceremonies and award presentations are held, including the recognition linked to the patron saint. Since 1986, the Belluno Centro Storico Consortium has also organized a historic wood carving competition, during which artists work on pine logs and panels in the heart of the city for several days.

A Belluno Tradition

Promoted by the Municipality of Belluno together with the Belluno Centro Storico Consortium, the Saint Martin's Fair is much more than a market: it is the moment when Belluno, the capital of its province at the foot of the Dolomites, celebrates its identity, its roots, and the flavours of the Venetian mountains.