San Giuseppe Fair

A fair with over four centuries of history

The San Giuseppe Fair in San Damiano d'Asti is one of the most deeply rooted events in the Piedmont spring calendar. Its origins date back to 1597, making it one of the oldest historical fairs in the region and the first major spring fair in the Asti area. For over four centuries, every March, the Monferrato village comes alive around the figure of Saint Joseph, patron saint of artisans and workers, in a celebration that mixes devotion, commerce, and rural tradition.

Three days in the heart of the village

Throughout the fair, the historic center of San Damiano d'Asti, particularly Piazza Libertà and the surrounding streets, turns into a grand meeting place and celebration hub. The heart of the event is the massive street market, featuring over 300 stalls offering clothing, household tools, artisanal products, and all kinds of goods. Alongside the market, there is an agricultural machinery display, reflecting the area's rural roots, and the traditional small animal exhibition.

Barbera, flavors, and folklore

The fair is also a major food and wine festival. The absolute star is Barbera, the iconic wine of the Asti hills, celebrated through sommelier-led tastings and themed dinners curated by the Enoteca Regionale Colline Alfieri. The food stalls offer typical local flavors, from street food to traditional Piedmontese dishes. There is no shortage of entertainment, with performances by the flag-wavers and musicians of San Damiano d'Asti, marching bands, dance shows by local schools, and the funfair set up in Piazza Stefanizzi, providing fun for all ages throughout the event.

A Monferrato landmark

As part of the Monferrato event circuit, the San Giuseppe Fair represents much more than a market for the Province of Asti: it is a collective ritual that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the identity of a land defined by vineyards, farming, and hospitality. Each edition features a different theme that connects San Damiano to other areas of excellence, renewing a tradition that has endured for over four centuries.