San Marco Fair
Montecchio Emilia's spring fair: market, floriculture, funfair and exhibitions
About San Marco Fair
The San Marco Fair in Montecchio Emilia
The San Marco Fair is the main spring fair in Montecchio Emilia, a municipality in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Po Valley. Every year, on April 25th, the historic center of the town comes alive with a large open-air market that attracts thousands of visitors from the Bassa reggiana and nearby Parma areas. It is the fair that, by tradition, "opens the doors to spring".
A fair between tradition and modernity
The event has its roots in peasant culture and local customs, still maintaining the character of a true village festival that combines commerce, agriculture, and social interaction. About 250 stalls are set up along the streets and squares of the center: the traditional market, exhibitors of natural and organic products, the farmers' market, the craft market, and stands of local volunteer associations.
One of the focal points of the event is the horticultural exhibition, with a wide selection of ornamental, aromatic, and fruit plants: an attraction for gardening enthusiasts and for those looking for typical products from the Reggio Emilia countryside.
Funfair, exhibitions, and culture
Alongside the market, the fair offers attractions for all ages. In Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, the funfair is set up, with rides and attractions operating for several days around April 25th. The medieval Castle of Montecchio hosts the opening ceremony and art exhibitions that can be visited free of charge, while churches and spaces in the center host exhibitions of sacred and contemporary art.
There is also the traditional antique market, organized by local associations, which brings stalls of vintage items, modern collectibles, and curiosities to the streets of the historic center.
An event for the whole family
Free and spread throughout the heart of the town, the San Marco Fair is designed to be enjoyed by families, curious visitors, and enthusiasts: with the scents of local products, flowers on display, rides, and culture, it represents one of the most beloved events in the spring calendar of Emilia-Romagna and the province of Reggio Emilia.
San Marco Fair — edition 2026
San Marco Fair 2026
The 2026 edition of the San Marco Fair in Montecchio Emilia (RE) took place on Saturday, April 25th, with a rich program spread across the historic center and the medieval Castle.
The Market
Along the streets and squares of the town, about 250 stalls were set up: the traditional market, exhibitors of natural and organic products, the farmers' market, the craft market, and stands of volunteer associations.
Inauguration and Exhibitions
At 10 AM, the opening ceremony was held at the Castle of Montecchio, in the presence of authorities. The Castle hosted the exhibition "Pittura mata" by Carlo Mastronardi (April 25 - May 3), while at the Church of the Madonna del Popolo, in Piazza Repubblica, the exhibition "Via Crucis" by Bruno Barani was open until April 26th.
Funfair and Antiques
From the afternoon of Friday, April 24th, until Sunday, April 26th, the funfair was open in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. On Sunday, April 26th, from 8 AM to 6 PM, the streets of the center hosted the traditional "Robi Veci" antique market, organized by the association La Vecchia Montecchio.
Programme San Marco Fair 2026
2026 Program
- Friday, April 24th: from the afternoon, opening of the funfair in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo (until Sunday, April 26th).
- Saturday, April 25th: main day of the fair with about 250 stalls; 10 AM opening ceremony at the Castle of Montecchio; free exhibitions and cultural events throughout the day.
- Sunday, April 26th (8 AM - 6 PM): "Robi Veci" antique market in the streets of the center.
- April 25th - May 3rd: "Pittura mata" exhibition by Carlo Mastronardi at the Castle.
- Until April 26th: "Via Crucis" exhibition by Bruno Barani at the Church of the Madonna del Popolo.
Highlights San Marco Fair 2026
- About 250 stalls including traditional market, organic products, and farmers' market
- Horticultural exhibition and typical products from the Bassa reggiana region
- Opening ceremony at the medieval Castle of Montecchio
- Funfair in Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
- Free art exhibitions at the Castle and in the town's churches
- "Robi Veci" antique market
Prices San Marco Fair 2026
Practical information — San Marco Fair
When
The San Marco Fair takes place every year on April 25th, with the main market concentrated on that day and some related events in the preceding and following days.
Where
Historic center of Montecchio Emilia (RE), Emilia-Romagna: squares and streets of the town, Montecchio Castle for the opening and exhibitions, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo for the funfair.
Admission
Access to the fair, exhibitions, and cultural events is free.
How to get there
Montecchio Emilia is easily reached by car from the Via Emilia (SS9) and from the provincial roads of the Bassa reggiana, a few kilometers from Reggio Emilia. On fair days, it is advisable to arrive early for parking, given the large crowds.
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Where does it take place — San Marco Fair
Centro storico e Castello di Montecchio