Saint Matthias the Apostle and Pearà Fair
Caldiero's winter fair of devotion, pearà, and fun
About St. Matthias and Pearà Fair
A fair that has lasted for over a century and a half
The Saint Matthias the Apostle and Pearà Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the municipality of Caldiero, in the province of Verona. Organized by the Pro Loco Caldiero since 1871, it will reach its 156th edition in 2026 and represents the moment when the entire community comes together, in the heart of winter, to honor Saint Matthias the Apostle and celebrate one of the most iconic dishes of Veronese tradition.
Pearà, queen of the table
The fair's name says it all: the absolute star is pearà, the Veronese sauce made from stale bread, bone marrow, meat broth, and abundant pepper, traditionally served with mixed boiled meat. At the food stands set up under the large Teatrotenda in Via Caduti del Lavoro, you can enjoy pearà and many other local specialties, in a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the Bassa Veronese and the Val d'Illasi.
Music, funfair, and tradition
In addition to food, the fair offers a rich program of musical evenings, shows, and entertainment, accompanied by a large funfair with attractions for families and young people. It's a village festival in the truest sense: popular, intergenerational, and deeply tied to the identity of Caldiero, a small town also known for its ancient Giunone Thermal Baths.
An event that opens the year
Held in February, the Saint Matthias Fair effectively inaugurates the festival season in the Veronese area and is affectionately awaited by generations of Caldiero residents. Combining religious devotion, gastronomy, and entertainment, it encapsulates the convivial spirit of this corner of Veneto in just a few days.
St. Matthias and Pearà Fair — edition 2026
The 156th Saint Matthias the Apostle and Pearà Fair returns to Caldiero from February 19th to 23rd, 2026, confirming the event that combines devotion, gastronomy, and entertainment. The heart of the festival remains the pearà, served alongside other Veronese traditional specialties at the food stands set up under the large Teatrotenda in Via Caduti del Lavoro. Accompanying the evenings, a program of concerts and dancing events, and a large funfair for families.
Programme St. Matthias and Pearà Fair 2026
Thursday, February 19th
- Opening of the fair and food stands with pearà and Veronese specialties
- 8:45 PM — "Luci-Oh", a concert-show tribute to Lucio Battisti (paid admission)
Friday, February 20th
- Food stands open
- 10:00 PM — dancing evening with Alterego and DJs Ale Pulga, Paolo Martini, and Pizeta
Saturday, February 21st to Monday, February 23rd
- Continuation of the fair with food stands, music, shows, and funfair
The complete evening program is updated by Pro Loco Caldiero on their official channels in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights St. Matthias and Pearà Fair 2026
Prices St. Matthias and Pearà Fair 2026
Practical information — St. Matthias and Pearà Fair
How to get here
Caldiero is located along the regional road 11 between Verona and Vicenza, about 15 km from the provincial capital. Caldiero train station is on the Verona-Venice line; the Soave-San Bonifacio (A4) motorway exit is a few kilometers away.
Where it takes place
Under the Teatrotenda in Via Caduti del Lavoro, near Viale Conti da Prato.
Admission
Free entry to the fair; some evening shows may require a ticket.
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Where does it take place — St. Matthias and Pearà Fair
Teatrotenda di Via Caduti del Lavoro
Via Caduti del Lavoro, 37042 Caldiero