Santo Stefano Fair

A tradition that never goes out of style

The Santo Stefano Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the identity of Avezzano, in the province of L'Aquila, and the entire Marsica region. It takes place every year on December 26th, St. Stephen's Day, when the streets and squares of the city center fill with stalls, colors, and scents, bringing to life one of the most vibrant commercial days of the year in the Abruzzo territory.

The event serves a dual purpose: on one hand, it is an unmissable appointment for commercial operators, and on the other, it has always attracted a high number of visitors not only from Avezzano but also from the Marsica area and neighboring parts of Lazio. As councilor Pierluigi Di Stefano noted, the fair has become an increasingly important "calling card for the city."

What to find at the fair

The most recent edition featured around 160 exhibitors who arrived from every corner of Italy, spread along a loop route in the heart of the center. The public can find a wide variety of goods and offerings:

• Clothing, books, gift items, and curiosities along the main streets;
• an area dedicated to gift items and handicrafts, in keeping with the fair's historical tradition;
• food and street food areas with typical flavors from across the peninsula;
• local products and crafts from all over Italy.

The route through the center

The fair winds along a path that touches the main streets and squares of Avezzano's center: via Mazzini, via Trieste, via Corradini, via Pagani, piazza della Repubblica, and via Marconi. The route, which has been refined in some sections over recent years, is designed to distribute exhibitors, dining areas, and entertainment spaces in an orderly fashion, while ensuring safety and fluidity for visitors.

More than just a market

Alongside the stalls, the day is enlivened by street performers, music, mini-concerts, and entertainment initiatives aimed at children, families, and adults. The formula thus combines the commercial dimension with that of community and celebration, transforming December 26th into a true day of togetherness.

A staple of the Abruzzo Christmas

Included in the Christmas holiday calendar of the Municipality of Avezzano, in Abruzzo, the Santo Stefano Fair represents one of the highlights of the Marsican winter. For residents and visitors alike, it is an opportunity to stroll through the city center, go shopping, enjoy street food, and experience the festive atmosphere of the days immediately following Christmas.