San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair
The patronal festival of San Donaci blending faith, tradition, and entertainment
About San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair
The patronal fair of San Donaci
The San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair is the most awaited event of the year in San Donaci, a small town in northern Salento in the province of Brindisi, in the heart of Puglia. Dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer, the Spanish-born Dominican friar venerated as the town's co-patron alongside Saint Mary of Grace, the fair has represented a meeting point between faith, tradition, and social life for over a century.
From livestock market to community celebration
The origins of the event are rooted in the rural world: born as a livestock exhibition and market during religious celebrations, the fair once marked the rhythm of the local agricultural life, attracting breeders, traders, and families from all neighboring towns. Over the decades, it has transformed into a true showcase of local traditions, while maintaining that deep bond with the agricultural and devotional identity of San Donaci.
A day of celebration in the town center
The fair takes place over one intense day that brings the streets and squares of the town to life from morning until evening. The official opening, with the blessing and the accompaniment of marching bands, kicks off a rich and varied program:
- Marching bands and inaugural ceremony with civil and religious authorities
- Funfair and DJ sets enlivening the center throughout the day
- Vintage car exhibition organized by Arneo Veicoli Storici
- Vespa Club parade and gathering, with displays, awards, and certificates
- Equestrian parade in the afternoon along the town streets
- Sports event organized by ACSI at the sports hall
- Social utility initiatives such as free microchipping for pets
Flavors and traditions of Puglia
Like every great Apulian patronal festival, San Donaci also features food stalls with typical local products, street food, and traditional sweets. Amidst music, market stalls, and shows, the San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair offers residents and visitors the perfect opportunity to discover the authenticity of a Salento village that proudly preserves its roots.
San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair — edition 2026
The 102nd edition
The 2026 San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair, now in its 102nd edition, was held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in San Donaci, with a date change from the usual April appointment decided for organizational reasons.
The day began at 9:00 AM with the official inauguration and blessing, accompanied by marching bands and the presence of local institutions. Following this, entertainment provided by the Solosole Circus with a funfair and DJ sets enlivened the town center throughout the day, alongside the vintage car exhibition by Arneo Veicoli Storici and the participation of the Vespa Club, featuring a parade, display, and awards ceremony.
In the afternoon, at 3:30 PM, the Sports Hall served as the meeting point for the equestrian parade that traveled through the town streets, with a return and conclusion scheduled for 6:00 PM. There was also a space dedicated to sports with the event organized by ACSI and social utility initiatives such as the free microchip day for pets.
Programme San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair 2026
Program for Sunday, May 3, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Official inauguration and blessing of the 102nd edition with marching bands and institutions
- All day — Funfair and DJ sets by Solosole Circus in the town center
- All day — Vintage car exhibition (Arneo Veicoli Storici) and Vespa Club gathering with display, awards, and certificates
- 3:30 PM — Equestrian parade starting from the Sports Hall through the town streets
- 6:00 PM — Return and conclusion of the event
- Sports event organized by ACSI at the sports hall
- Free microchip day for pets
Highlights San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair 2026
Prices San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair 2026
Practical information — San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair
How to get there
San Donaci is located in the province of Brindisi, along the route between Brindisi and Lecce. By car, it can be reached from the SS613 Brindisi-Lecce road by taking the exit for San Donaci. By train, the San Donaci station is served by the Bari-Lecce Adriatic line.
Admission and hours
The fair takes place in the town center with free admission. Activities are concentrated throughout the day, with the inauguration in the morning and the equestrian parade in the afternoon at the Sports Hall.
Tips
We recommend arriving in the morning to attend the inaugural ceremony and experience the atmosphere of the traditional market. There are ample spaces for families and children thanks to the funfair.
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Where does it take place — San Vincenzo Ferrer Fair
Centro cittadino e Palazzetto dello Sport