Santa Maria Fair

The Santa Maria Fair in Apricena

The Santa Maria Fair is one of the most anticipated popular events in the calendar of Apricena, a town in the Subappennino Dauno at the gateway to the Gargano, in the province of Foggia (Puglia). It is a historic market fair that, every September, transforms the main streets of the town center into a large open-air commercial space, animated by dozens of vendors coming from across the Capitanata and neighboring provinces.

A tradition linked to the Nativity of Mary

The fair takes its name from Santa Maria and is rooted in the Marian devotion of the Apricena community, specifically the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin on September 8th. Like many fairs in Southern Italy born in the shadow of religious festivals, it blends faith with commerce and social gathering, keeping alive a custom passed down through generations. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Apricena, which coordinates it through the Department of Commerce.

What to expect

For the entire duration of the event, the streets involved host a vast market of various goods. Among the stalls, you can find:

• Typical products and food items from the Apulian region
• Local fruits, vegetables, and gastronomic specialties
• Clothing, footwear, linens, and textiles
• Household goods, kitchenware, and gifts
• Plants, flowers, and equipment

The fair is traditionally held along Via Aldo Moro, Via Buozzi, and Via Duca di Genova, in the heart of the town, with adjustments to traffic and the regular weekly market during the days of the event.

An appointment for the whole community

Much more than just an opportunity for shopping, the Santa Maria Fair is a time of celebration and sharing for the inhabitants of Apricena and visitors from neighboring towns. Strolling among the stalls, meeting friends and acquaintances, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the crowded streets: this is the authentic spirit of an event that has always marked the end of summer in this Daunian town. It is an experience that tells the story of the popular identity of Puglia and its hinterland, where the tradition of fairs remains a pillar of village life.