San Cassiano Fair
The patronal feast of Novellara with fair, markets and culture in the Rocca dei Gonzaga
About San Cassiano
A patronal feast in the heart of the Reggiana plain
The San Cassiano Fair is the most cherished event of the year in Novellara, in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, celebrated on May 4th, the fair transforms the historic center into a large festive space for six days, where religious tradition, popular entertainment, and cultural offerings naturally intertwine.
The origins of the event lie in the devotion to the patron saint, but over time the fair has become above all a great gathering moment for the entire community and for visitors from neighboring towns, attracted by the funfair, the market stalls, and the lively atmosphere of the town's streets and squares.
Between Piazza Unità d'Italia and the Rocca dei Gonzaga
The heart of the fair is the historic center: Piazza Unità d'Italia, where the Collegiata di Santo Stefano stands, hosts the funfair rides and market stalls, while via Cavour, Corso Garibaldi, via Roma, and via Cantoni host the craft market, exhibitors, plant nurseries, and traditional bakeries. On Sundays, the characteristic antique market is added, and there are also exhibitions of vintage cars and American cars.
The highlight is the extraordinary opening of the Rocca dei Gonzaga, a symbol of Novellara and a testament to the Gonzaga family's rule over the city from 1371 to 1728. During the fair, you can visit the Museo Gonzaga, the Permanent Exhibition of Peasant Civilization, and the historic municipal Acetaia, where Traditional Balsamic Vinegar matures.
Exhibitions, dance, and culture
The San Cassiano Fair is also an opportunity to showcase local artists, associations, and schools, who liven up the exhibition spaces of the Rocca and the town with exhibitions dedicated to history, contemporary art, and local culture. Recent offerings include exhibitions on Roma culture, 20th-century history, and local hiking activities, along with dance performances in the courtyard of the Rocca.
A tradition for the whole family
The fair is designed for all ages: the funfair runs throughout the event, and the last day is dedicated to the little ones with the Children's Day. Strolling through the stalls, riding the attractions, visiting the exhibitions, and discovering the treasures of the Rocca: the San Cassiano Fair is the best way to experience the authentic spirit of Novellara and the Reggiana plain.
San Cassiano — edition 2026
The San Cassiano Fair 2026 enlivened Novellara for six days, from April 30 to May 5, with a program that intertwined popular tradition, markets, and cultural offerings. The heart of the event was the historic center, with the funfair, the market, and exhibitors spread across Piazza Unità d'Italia, via Cavour, Corso Garibaldi, and via Roma. Numerous exhibitions were set up in the spaces of the Rocca dei Gonzaga and in the town, including the exhibition on Roma culture in Italy and the one dedicated to the hiking activities of CAI Novellara. The Gonzaga Museum, the Exhibition of Peasant Civilization, and the municipal Acetaia were open to the public.
Programme San Cassiano 2026
Thursday, April 30
- Morning — Weekly market in via Cantoni and via Cavour (from 8:00 AM)
- 3:00 PM — Inauguration of the exhibition "Identità in cammino: la cultura sinta in Italia" (G. Malagoli Library)
- 3:30 PM — Opening of the funfair in the historic center
Friday, May 1
- All day — Funfair and fair market in the historic center; craft and ingenuity market in via Cavour; exhibitors in Corso Garibaldi; nurseries and traditional bakeries in via Roma
- 10:00 AM — Opening of the exhibition "Vallestrina: un bivacco per tutti" by CAI Novellara (Loggia of the Gonzaga Museum)
- Opening of the Rocca dei Gonzaga: Municipal Acetaia, Exhibition of Peasant Civilization, and Gonzaga Museum
Saturday, May 2
- Funfair, market, and vintage car exhibition in via Roma
- 10:30 AM — Inauguration of the exhibition "Iter" by Mario Pavesi (Rocca)
- 4:30 PM — Dance performance in the courtyard of the Rocca
Sunday, May 3
- Main day of the fair: funfair, market, and antique market in via Roma
- Opening of the Rocca dei Gonzaga and museums
Monday, May 4 — San Cassiano Patron Saint's Day
- Funfair and exhibitors in the historic center
- Gonzaga Museum open
Tuesday, May 5
- 3:30 PM - 8:00 PM — Children's Day, closing of the fair in the historic center
Highlights San Cassiano 2026
Prices San Cassiano 2026
Practical information — San Cassiano
When
The fair traditionally takes place between the end of April and the first days of May, around the patronal feast of San Cassiano (May 4th).
How to get there
Novellara is located in the Bassa reggiana, about 25 km from Reggio Emilia. By car, it can be reached from the A22 Brennero motorway (Reggiolo-Rolo exit) or the A1 (Reggio Emilia exit). Novellara train station is served by the Reggio Emilia–Guastalla line.
Admission and costs
Access to the fair and the streets of the center is free. Funfair attractions are subject to charges according to the individual operator's rates.
Contacts
Municipality of Novellara — Tel. +39 0522 655454 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — San Cassiano
Centro storico e Rocca dei Gonzaga
Piazza Unità d'Italia, 42017 Novellara