San Marco Fair

A patronal fair in the heart of the Ovada area

The San Marco Fair is the patronal festival of Lerma, a small hillside village in the province of Alessandria, in Southern Piedmont, nestled between the Ovada and Monferrato regions. It is held every year on April 25th, the day dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, the town's patron saint. It is one of those local festivals that define the community's identity: for one day, the entire historic centre transforms into a vibrant meeting place filled with stalls, exhibitions, music, and the aromas of local cuisine and wine.

The village hosting the fair

Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Piota stream valley, Lerma preserves a charming medieval core dominated by the castle rebuilt by the Spinola family at the end of the 15th century. Strolling through the narrow alleys during the fair means discovering a village that has kept its ancient charm intact: it is no coincidence that Lerma is recognized as one of the "Borghi del cuore" (Villages of the Heart) by the FAI. The backdrop of the historic centre makes the fair much more than a simple market: it is an opportunity to experience the village in celebration.

Market, crafts, and flavours

The heart of the day is the general market that takes over the town's streets, accompanied by stalls featuring small-scale crafts, furniture, and local products. A significant space is dedicated to exhibitions curated by local associations: creations from sewing courses, as well as drawings and ceramics from art workshops. The food and wine section is a highlight, featuring tastings and sales of local wines, starting with Ovada DOCG, the signature wine of this hilly area.

Vintage cars, motorcycles, music, and guided tours

In recent years, the fair has been enriched by a vintage car and motorcycle rally, accompanied by an exhibition of period photos and prints, which brings dozens of classic vehicles and numerous enthusiasts to the village. The day is punctuated by live musical entertainment, games for children organized by the library, and vision screenings offered during the event. For those who want to get to know Lerma better, free guided tours of the historic centre are scheduled.

A growing tradition

Organized by the Municipality of Lerma in collaboration with local associations, the San Marco Fair is an event that combines the religious dimension of the patronal feast with a popular and convivial atmosphere. It is the ideal occasion to discover one of the most authentic corners of the Upper Monferrato and the Alessandria Apennines, amidst history, good wine, and local hospitality.