San Luca Fair

The San Luca Fair: An Autumn Tradition in Ala

The San Luca Fair is a cornerstone of the autumn season in Ala, an elegant town in the Vallagarina valley, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Held annually on the Saturday nearest to St. Luke's Day (October 18th), it transforms the streets of the historic center into a bustling open-air market for the entire day.

Origins: From Livestock Market to Community Fair

Like many fairs of this season, the San Luca Fair is rooted in the ancient agricultural calendar. Originally established as a livestock and end-of-season trade market—marking the conclusion of agricultural contracts and the start of winter preparations—it has evolved into a beloved community gathering. Today, it retains the convivial spirit of traditional village fairs, blending commerce, heritage, and social life.

What to Expect

Throughout the day, Via Tre Chiodi and Via Anzelini host a wide array of market stalls: local food specialties, artisanal crafts, clothing, household and garden tools, toys, and curiosities. It is a perfect opportunity to stroll through the stands, do some shopping, and rediscover the charm of Ala, whose historic center is filled with Baroque palaces and noble courtyards that recall the city's golden age, when it was famous across Europe for its velvet production.

• Stalls with local food and delicacies
• Handicrafts and household goods
• Clothing and accessories
• Autumn atmosphere in the Baroque historic center

An Autumn of Fairs in Ala

The San Luca Fair effectively kicks off the autumn fair season in Ala, which continues in November with the San Martino Fair. Both events take place in the same historic streets and are highly anticipated by the local population, attracting visitors from throughout the Vallagarina valley and surrounding areas. The event typically runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and takes place regardless of weather conditions.

Organization

The fair is organized by the Municipality of Ala through the Economic Activities Office, which coordinates stall assignments and logistics for public market vendors.