San Carlo Patronal Fair

The historic fair of Nizza Monferrato

The San Carlo Patronal Fair is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted events in Piedmont. Its origins date back to 1516, when it was established by the will of Guglielmo IX, Marquis of Monferrato, as an act of generosity toward the community of Nizza Monferrato. Dedicated to the patron saint San Carlo Borromeo, whose feast day falls on November 4th, the fair has been held continuously for over five centuries, reaching well over five hundred editions.

The grand market in the historic center

The heart of the fair is the Grand Market of the San Carlo Fair, which fills the streets and squares of Nizza Monferrato's center with around one hundred and eighty stalls offering a variety of goods: market stalls, agricultural products, handicrafts, and local shops animate the entire day. The fair has always been the moment when the Nizza area showcases the best of its production, attracting visitors from well beyond the borders of the Province of Asti.

Local flavors: cardo gobbo, bagna cauda, and truffle

The gastronomic soul of the event revolves around the typical products of the Asti region. The undisputed star is the Nizza Monferrato cardo gobbo, in the prized Spadone variety, a PAT product and Slow Food Presidium, traditionally served with bagna cauda. The famous Bagna Cauda Marathon is held at Palazzo Crova, from 12:00 PM until midnight, by reservation. In recent years, the fair has been enriched by the White Truffle Fair of the Alto Monferrato, which brings the region's most precious tuber to Nizza, accompanied by tastings of DOCG wines, including Barbera, at the Regional Enoteca.

Culture, awards, and visits

Alongside the gastronomic offerings, the fair features an opening ceremony at the Foro Boario in Piazza Garibaldi, with the presentation of awards such as the Il Campanon prize and certificates for academic achievement. During the day, Nizza's cultural sites are open to the public: the Campanon, the Art '900 Gallery, the Palazzo del Gusto, and the Gipsoteca Formica, often with free guided tours.

A defining event of the Monferrato region

More than just a simple festival, the San Carlo Fair is a defining event for Nizza Monferrato and the entire Asti Monferrato, a land of UNESCO-listed wine hills. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors who, during the days of the fair, discover an authentic Piedmontese town, immersed in markets, popular traditions, and excellent cuisine.