San Giuseppe Fair of Persi

A fair that marks the awakening of Val Borbera

For over two centuries, the San Giuseppe Fair has been the event that heralds the arrival of spring in the hamlets of Persi and Torre Ratti, in the municipality of Borghetto di Borbera, in the Province of Alessandria. Originally a livestock fair when the economy of these south-eastern Piedmont valleys was entirely agricultural, the event has roots in the late 19th century. For generations, it served as the moment when the Val Borbera communities reunited after winter to trade animals, tools, and local produce.

From near-extinction to rebirth

Throughout the 20th century, the fair gradually declined to the point of near-disappearance. In the early 2000s, the Pro Loco of Persi brought it back to life, restoring its authentic rural character and transforming it into a festive day that attracts visitors from across the Novese and Alto Monferrato areas. Since then, it has been held annually, reaching over twenty editions.

Vintage tractors, livestock, and markets

The heart of the day unfolds along the road connecting Persi to Torre Ratti, featuring:

• Vintage tractor and historic farm machinery display, with dozens of exhibitors making the fair a landmark for agricultural mechanics enthusiasts;
• Livestock exhibition along with agricultural and gardening equipment;
• Farmers' and craft market with stalls of all kinds;
• Mercato delle Eccellenze, where you can purchase cheeses from nearby valleys, cured meats, wines, and local artisanal products.

The San Giuseppe fritters

The unmissable specialty is the San Giuseppe fritters prepared by the Pro Loco: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they should be enjoyed piping hot while strolling among the stalls, perhaps paired with wines from the Borbera valleys. It is the flavor that, more than any other, defines this fair in the memory of its visitors.

A local event to experience

The San Giuseppe Fair of Persi is a popular festival with free admission, designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, between one chat and another. It combines the agricultural fair tradition of the Province of Alessandria with the pleasure of discovering a lesser-known corner of Piedmont, filled with villages, flavors, and ancient crafts.