Sant'Ermolao Fair - Patronal Feast of Calci

The patronal feast of the Valle Graziosa

The Sant'Ermolao Fair is the highlight of the year for Calci, a small town in the Province of Pisa nestled in the picturesque Valle Graziosa, at the foot of Monte Pisano. Every early August, the historic center transforms into a vibrant festival space: Piazza Garibaldi becomes the main stage, while Via Roma, Via Brogiotti, Piazza Cavallotti, and Parco Pertini host markets, artisan stalls, and street food. It is three days where the local community celebrates its patron saint with a program that weaves together tradition, music, and culture.

Who was Saint Ermolao

Saint Ermolao, a Christian martyr during the Diocletian persecutions, is venerated in Calci as the protector of olive groves—a fitting symbol for a valley where olive cultivation has been at the heart of rural life for centuries. His relics—specifically his left arm—were brought to Calci by the Pisans in the early 12th century and are kept in the splendid Pieve dei Santi Giovanni ed Ermolao, the village's Romanesque jewel. Over time, devotion to the saint became intertwined with the local economy: since 1792, the religious cult has been accompanied by a livestock and trade fair, giving rise to the event we know today.

A tradition between the sacred and the popular

In ancient times, it was customary for the valley's farmers to bring a donkey to the parish church, laden with two baskets full of local produce and a small barrel of oil, to be blessed in honor of the saint. This deep bond with the peasant culture of Monte Pisano survives in the spirit of the fair, which still blends religious rites, markets, and village festivities in an authentically Tuscan atmosphere.

What to expect

The Sant'Ermolao Fair offers a rich and varied program designed for all tastes and ages:

• Concerts and evening shows in Piazza Garibaldi, ranging from musical evenings and live local bands to cabaret and comedy acts;
• Traditional market along Via Roma and Via Brogiotti, featuring a wide variety of stalls;
• Craft market at Parco Pertini, a showcase for local artisans and creatives;
• Street food in Piazza Cavallotti, with specialties to enjoy in the open air;
• Funfair and rides for children;
• Exhibitions, book presentations, and cultural initiatives throughout the town, from the Council Chamber to local social clubs.

Calci and the Valle Graziosa

Visiting the Sant'Ermolao Fair is also the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most charming villages in the Pisan area. Calci is famous for its monumental Certosa and its valley covered in olive groves, aptly nicknamed "Graziosa" (Graceful). Located just a few kilometers from Pisa, it is an ideal destination for those seeking the most authentic side of Tuscany, defined by traditions, rolling hills, and warm village hospitality.