Santa Maria in Selva Fair

A centuries-old fair in the heart of Valdinievole

The Santa Maria in Selva Fair is one of the oldest and most iconic events in the Municipality of Buggiano, in the province of Pistoia, in the heart of the Valdinievole valley. The first documented records date back to 1367, when, according to tradition, the humanist Coluccio Salutati was called upon to regulate its proceedings. Over the centuries, the fair grew to become one of the main trade events in the Valdinievole and the entire Pistoia territory during the 19th century, earning the title of the "queen of fairs" in the area.

A welcome to spring

The fair traditionally takes place on the last weekend of March and represents an authentic collective ritual that greets the arrival of the warmer season. The meadow of the Church of Santa Maria in Selva, in Borgo a Buggiano, fills with colors and scents thanks to a large exhibition of plants, flowers, shrubs, and fruit trees—the true botanical heart of the event, highly anticipated by gardening enthusiasts and those looking for plants for their gardens and terraces.

What to find at the fair

Numerous stalls and stands offering all kinds of goods line the fairgrounds. A significant space is dedicated to the traditional gastronomy of Tuscany and the Valdinievole, with local products and specialties to enjoy on-site or take home.

• Exhibition and sale of plants, flowers, shrubs, and fruit trees
• Stalls featuring local products, cheeses, wine, and dried fruit
• Brigidini di Lamporecchio, crunchy treats, and traditional sweets
• Traditional local gastronomy
• Rides and attractions for children

Tradition and atmosphere

More than just a simple market, the Santa Maria in Selva Fair is a deeply felt celebration for the village residents, who look forward to it year after year with sincere participation. Between the stalls, the aromas of Tuscan cuisine, and the joy of the rides, the fair combines commerce with a popular, convivial spirit, keeping alive a bond with the land and the seasons that has lasted for over six centuries. For Buggiano and the entire Valdinievole region in Tuscany, it remains an unmissable event that marks the start of spring every year.