Saint Michael's Fair

A Five-Century-Old Fair

The Saint Michael's Fair is one of the oldest and most characteristic events in Tirano, in Valtellina, province of Sondrio. Its origins date back to 1514, when the Bishop of Chur and the Grey League government granted the city the right to organize a large agricultural and commercial market linked to the feast of Saint Michael. It is, in fact, one of the oldest fairs in the entire Alpine region.

The Commercial Heart of Valtellina

Over the centuries, the fair quickly became the most important commercial event in the valley, transforming Tirano into its economic and social centre. In its heyday, it could last up to fifteen days, taking on the character of a true international trade fair, with the "fairground" dedicated to livestock trading and shops around the sanctuary.

The 'Scudo di San Michele'

Among the fair's most beloved traditions is the sale of the 'Scudo di San Michele', a typical sweet bread that has accompanied this day for generations and which many locals buy as a symbol of the event. Alongside the food stalls, there is the hobbyist market and stands selling various products, which today animate the city's main streets — from Piazza Basilica to Viale Italia, and Via Elvezia.

Tirano, City of Fairs and Pilgrimages

Tirano has always been a crossroads between Italy and Switzerland: the terminus of the Bernina Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the famous Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano, the city retains a strong tradition of fairs. The Saint Michael's Fair is its oldest and most prestigious testament, an event that continues to attract visitors from all over the valley in the latter part of September.