San Biagio Fair

A Winter Tradition in the Heart of Cento

The San Biagio Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Cento, in the Province of Ferrara. It is celebrated every year on February 3rd, the day dedicated to Saint Blaise, and transforms Piazza Guercino and the streets of the historic center into a large open-air market. The event, organized by the Municipality of Cento, attracts visitors from all over the Cento area and neighboring towns, on a day that intertwines popular devotion, street vending, and social interaction.

Saint Blaise, Patron and Protector of the Throat

Saint Blaise is a beloved figure in Catholic tradition: protector of the throat and, according to popular custom, invoked by wool carders and workers. In many communities, the occasion is accompanied by the rite of the blessing of the throat, a simple and ancient gesture that links the religious festival to the daily lives of the inhabitants. In Cento, the fair originated around this devotion, eventually becoming an important occasion for meeting and commerce for the city.

The Market and Products

The heart of the day is the large market that occupies Piazza Guercino and the surrounding streets of the historic center. Along the exhibitors' stalls, you will find:

• Gastronomic products and typical specialties from the Emilia region;
• Traditional sweets, delicacies, and street food;
• Crafts and artisanal works;
• Household items, clothing, and curiosities.

The fair generally runs from early morning until evening, with indicative hours from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and admission is completely free.

Cento, City of Guercino

The fair is held in the setting of Piazza Guercino, named after the famous Baroque painter Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino, who was born in Cento. The San Biagio festival often coincides with city initiatives dedicated to the great artist, making the first days of February a particularly lively period for the historic center, blending art, culture, and tradition.

An Event for the Whole Community

The San Biagio Fair is a festival designed for everyone: families, the elderly, children, and the curious flock to the streets of the center, enjoying a stroll among the stalls and tasting local products. It is an opportunity to rediscover the city's identity and experience the authentic atmosphere of a town festival that continues to renew itself year after year in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.