San Martino Fair

An ancient autumn fair in the heart of the Vallagarina valley

The San Martino Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Ala, a charming town in the Vallagarina valley in the province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige. It takes place every year in November, on the weekend closest to St. Martin's Day (November 11th), when the historic center comes alive with market stalls, enticing aromas, and music from dawn until dusk.

The fair has its roots in rural history: St. Martin's Day traditionally marked the end of agricultural contracts and the start of the new farming year, a time when livestock and seasonal produce were traded. Today's popular festival grew from that ancient market, blending commerce, gastronomy, and conviviality.

Ala, the City of Velvet

The setting is the extraordinary historic center of Ala, known as the City of Velvet due to its ancient silk and velvet manufacturing tradition. For one day, the baroque palaces and cobbled streets of the village become a large open-air salon: the San Martino Fair unfolds primarily along Via Tre Chiodi and the surrounding streets, filling the squares and courtyards of the town center.

Stalls and seasonal produce

The heart of the event lies in its numerous stalls, showcasing autumn agricultural products and local craftsmanship:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables: apples, pumpkins, chestnuts;
• Local honey, cheeses, cured meats, and preserves;
• Handicrafts, gift items, and typical Trentino products.

Trentino gastronomy

Under the marquees and in designated areas, visitors can savor traditional dishes from the Trentino region and the Vallagarina valley: canederli (bread dumplings) served in broth or with melted butter, steaming polenta with stew or melted cheese, carne salada e fasoi (cured beef with beans), one of the valley's signature dishes, and for a sweet finish, apple strudel and homemade desserts.

Music, tradition, and entertainment

Throughout the day, musical bands, choirs, and folk groups perform in the streets and squares, creating a cheerful and convivial atmosphere. There is also plenty of entertainment for children, including jugglers and roving performers, making the fair a perfect event for the whole family.

A signature event for the Municipality of Ala

Organized by the Municipality of Ala, the San Martino Fair represents a moment of strong community identity and an opportunity to rediscover the traditions of the Trentino countryside. It is also an excellent excuse to visit Ala and its surroundings, from the Castle of Avio to the wine routes of the Vallagarina valley.