Sant'Antonio Fair

A rural fair in the heart of the Valtiberina

The Sant'Antonio Fair is one of the most traditional winter events in the town of Monterchi, a small village in the Province of Arezzo nestled in the upper Tuscan Valtiberina, bordering Umbria. Every year, around January 17th—the day the Church commemorates Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of animals and the rural world—the village comes to life for an event deeply rooted in the peasant culture of these hills.

Saint Anthony the Abbot, patron saint of animals

The fair stems from the strong bond between Saint Anthony the Abbot and the agricultural world: throughout the Tuscan countryside, the saint has been the protector of stables, livestock, and farm animals for centuries. In Monterchi, this devotion translates into a festive day that blends religious tradition, village life, and ancient crafts, offering visitors the chance to "take a trip into the past" and rediscover the passions and labors of yesteryear in touch with nature.

What to find in Piazza Mercatale

The nerve center of the event is Piazza Mercatale, near Piazzale di San Rocco, where a large open-air exhibition unfolds from the morning. Among the stalls and exhibition areas, you can admire:

• Livestock and pet displays, a major draw for families and curious visitors;
• Agricultural machinery, cars, motorcycles, and home and garden equipment;
• Typical local artisan products, ranging from rural crafts to traditional objects;
• The historical re-enactment of the pig butchering, a key moment that reconstructs a rural ritual once fundamental for local families.

Traditional flavors

The gastronomic aspect is not to be missed, curated by the Monterchi Pro Loco: in the indoor stalls, you can enjoy polenta and typical Valtiberina dishes, perfect for warming up on cold January days. It is the perfect opportunity to savor local products and experience the convivial atmosphere of a true village festival.

A village to discover

Visiting the Sant'Antonio Fair is also a great excuse to explore Monterchi, world-famous for housing the Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca, one of the absolute masterpieces of the Renaissance. Between art, tradition, and rustic flavors, the fair offers an authentic glimpse into the rural soul of eastern Tuscany.