San Guido Fair

The patronal feast of Acqui Terme

The San Guido Fair is the main patronal festival of Acqui Terme, a town in the province of Alessandria, nestled in the heart of the Piedmontese Alto Monferrato. Dedicated to San Guido, the bishop and patron saint of the city and diocese, the event is traditionally held in July. It seamlessly blends religious devotion with civic, commercial, and popular festivities, following a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

Who was San Guido?

Guido was born in Melazzo, near Alessandria, around 1004 into a noble family, and was elected Bishop of Acqui in 1034. A generous shepherd, he personally worked to collect grain to distribute to the population during a severe famine. He died on June 2, 1070, after thirty-six years of episcopate, and his remains still rest today in the Acqui Cathedral, in the chapel dedicated to him. In 1853, the Holy See authorized the celebration of his feast day on the second Sunday of July; since then, San Guido has been venerated as the city's patron saint.

The procession and religious celebrations

The spiritual heart of the festival is the solemn procession carrying the urn of San Guido. It winds through the streets and squares of the historic center, starting from the Cathedral and passing through Piazza Duomo, Via Capra, Piazzetta dei Dottori, Via Bella, Piazza Monsignor Galliano, Piazza San Guido, Corso Italia, and Piazza Italia, before returning to the Duomo. During the festival, solemn Eucharistic celebrations are also held, often presided over by visiting bishops.

The fair, the funfair, and the Roman Arches

On the civic side, the commercial fair fills the center with about 250 stalls arranged along Corso Cavour, Corso Dante, Piazza Italia, Via XX Settembre, and Corso Bagni, while the funfair sets up in Piazzale Don Dolermo. The main stage for evening events is the evocative area of the Roman Arches, where dance orchestras, tribute bands, and musical shows take turns performing. There is also a gastronomic area featuring festivals dedicated to asado, ravioli, and gnocco, as well as the traditional agricultural machinery exhibition.

The fireworks display

The grand finale of the San Guido Fair is the highly anticipated fireworks display, preceded by a concert from the Acqui Town Band. The fireworks are launched from the Bagni area, near the Carlo Alberto bridge, illuminating the sky above the Roman Arches and providing one of the most cherished moments of the Acqui summer.