Sant'Eligio Fair

A traditional fair in the heart of the Vermenagna Valley

The Sant'Eligio Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Robilante, a municipality in the Vermenagna Valley in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. Every year, towards the end of May, the town center transforms into a large open-air market: Piazza Michele Olivero and the nearby streets welcome dozens of market stalls and exhibitors, creating a day of celebration, commerce, and community connection.

Saint Eligius, the patron of blacksmiths

The fair is dedicated to Saint Eligius, venerated as the patron saint of blacksmiths, farriers, and goldsmiths—a fitting choice for an alpine region with an ancient tradition of craftsmanship and metalwork. The connection to the saint gives the event a significance that goes beyond a simple market, weaving together popular devotion, the memory of traditional trades, and village life, as is common in many traditional fairs in the Cuneo area.

What to find at the fair

The Sant'Eligio Fair maintains the character of a classic Piedmontese commercial fair, with a varied selection that attracts curious visitors and shoppers from neighboring towns every year:

• Market stalls featuring clothing, footwear, housewares, and home goods
• Local food and gastronomic products, including traditional cheeses, cured meats, and sweets
• Local handicrafts and small tools
• An atmosphere of popular celebration that enlivens the center for the entire day

Robilante and its valley

Nestled along the road that climbs from the Cuneo plains toward the Tende Pass, Robilante is a town that preserves a strong sense of community and a vibrant fair tradition, marked by events like the Sant'Eligio Fair in spring and the All Saints' Fair in autumn. Attending these fairs means connecting with the authentic village life of the Vermenagna Valley, far from the main tourist circuits but rich in warmth and identity.