Saint Michael's Fair
The historic late September fair of the Reggiano Apennines, for over five centuries
About St. Michael's Fair
Five centuries of tradition in the Reggiano Apennines
The Saint Michael's Fair is one of the most deeply rooted and anticipated events in the Reggiano Apennines. It is held in Castelnovo ne' Monti, the main mountain town in the province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna), and its roots date back to the late 15th century: with over five hundred years of history, it is considered the historic patronal fair of the Reggiano mountains, linked to the figure of Saint Michael the Archangel.
Its origins tell of the Apennine ridge's vocation as a major commercial crossroads: for centuries, these mountains were a place of passage and exchange between the Po Valley, Liguria, and Tuscany. The fair originated precisely from this function, as a large end-of-season market where business related to agriculture, livestock, and crafts was concluded.
A fair that invades the entire center
For three days, on the last weekend of September, the streets and squares of Castelnovo ne' Monti's center transform into a large exhibition space. There are over 250 stalls, including clothing, household goods, merchandise of all kinds, food stands, and zero-kilometer agricultural producers.
The events are distributed across several areas of the town:
- Via dei Partigiani (Fair Center): the traditional livestock exhibition and market, and the display of agricultural and industrial machinery and zootechnical products, a living reminder of the fair's rural nature.
- Piazza Gramsci: the exhibition of productive and commercial activities, with numerous agri-food exhibitors, tastings, and the bread festival.
- Centro Coni: the funfair with attractions for children.
Twinning and local products
A characteristic feature of the fair is the presence of the Twinning Committees of Castelnovo Monti, who animate the stands with tastings and sales of food and wine products from the twin towns of Illingen (Germany), Voreppe (France), and Kahla (Germany). It is an opportunity to taste the typical products of the Reggiano Apennines and the Emilian Food Valley, from Parmigiano Reggiano to cured meats, from mushrooms to artisanal bread.
Alongside the market, there are cultural and solidarity initiatives, exhibitions, activities for children, and information points on the territory of the National Park of the Apennines and the UNESCO MaB reserve. Admission to the fair is free.
St. Michael's Fair — edition 2026
The 554th Saint Michael's Fair will be held in Castelnovo ne' Monti from Saturday, September 26 to Monday, September 28, 2026, as reported by the official fair register of the Emilia-Romagna Region. The event confirms its historic structure: 253 stalls distributed in the streets and squares of the center (36 food, 195 non-food, 5 agricultural producers), with indicative hours from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and free admission.
As tradition dictates, the livestock exhibition and market and the display of agricultural machinery in Via dei Partigiani, the agri-food exhibitors and tastings in Piazza Gramsci, as well as the funfair for children are expected.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including collateral events, inauguration times, and cultural appointments, will be published by the Municipality of Castelnovo ne' Monti in the weeks preceding the fair.
Programme St. Michael's Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 554th edition will be announced by the Municipality of Castelnovo ne' Monti in the weeks preceding the event. Based on recent editions, the fair traditionally unfolds across these areas:
- Via dei Partigiani (Fair Center) — livestock exhibition and market, and display of agricultural, industrial equipment, and zootechnical products (opening hours approx. 9:00 AM).
- Piazza Gramsci — exhibition of productive and commercial activities, agri-food exhibitors, tastings organized by the Twinning Committees, and the bread festival of the Reggiano Apennines.
- Centro Coni — funfair and attractions for families.
- Historic center — over 250 stalls selling merchandise, clothing, household goods, and typical products over the three days.
Highlights St. Michael's Fair 2026
- 554th edition of a fair with over five centuries of history.
- The traditional livestock and agricultural machinery exhibition and market.
- Tastings with the twin towns of Illingen, Voreppe, and Kahla.
- Typical products from the Food Valley and the Reggiano Apennines.
Prices St. Michael's Fair 2026
Practical information — St. Michael's Fair
How to get there
By car: from Reggio Emilia, take the SS63 del Valico del Cerreto towards the Apennines (about 45 km). From the A1 motorway, exit at Reggio Emilia.
By train and bus: the nearest train station is Reggio Emilia, connected to Castelnovo ne' Monti by Seta bus lines.
When
Three days on the last weekend of September, with stalls typically open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Free admission.
Tips
The town center is largely closed to traffic during the fair: it is advisable to park in the outer areas and walk to the squares. Don't miss the climb to the nearby Pietra di Bismantova.
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Where does it take place — St. Michael's Fair
Centro storico di Castelnovo ne' Monti
Via Roma, 42035 Castelnovo ne' Monti