Vilminore di Scalve Market Fair
The historic spring fair linked to the Office of the Dead, since 1621
About Vilminore Market Fair
A Four-Century Fair
The Vilminore di Scalve Market Fair is one of the oldest traditions in Val di Scalve, in the province of Bergamo. It originated in 1621, on the occasion of the Office of the Dead, the solemn celebration that has taken place every year on the Wednesday of mid-Lent since then.
Origins: The Office of the Dead
The fair is linked to a custom dictated by the harsh Scalve winters: when the snow prevented the burial of the deceased, bodies were kept until the thaw. Only in mid-Lent, with the arrival of spring, were they brought to the church of Vilminore for the solemn celebration. Around this commemoration, the "Spring Fair" was born, dedicated to agriculture and products for sowing and tending the garden.
The Fair Today
Today, the event retains its original spirit but welcomes stalls of all kinds:
- Clothing and various items;
- Foodstuffs and gastronomic specialties;
- Traditional products from the valley.
The stalls are set up along the village streets, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Organized by the Municipality of Vilminore di Scalve, the fair remains an identity-defining event for the entire valley, in the Lombardy Region.
Vilminore Market Fair — edition 2026
In 2026, the Vilminore di Scalve Market Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, the Wednesday of mid-Lent. This edition marks the 405th anniversary of the Office of the Dead, established in 1621. Stalls will be set up along the village streets from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, weather permitting.
The celebrations for the Office of the Dead begin on Sunday, March 15th, with the opening and procession to the cemetery at 3:00 PM; on Wednesday, March 18th, a mass will be held at 10:30 AM in Vilminore, followed by the fair in the village streets.
Programme Vilminore Market Fair 2026
Sunday, March 15, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Opening of the Office of the Dead and procession to the cemetery.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 405th Office of the Dead
- 10:30 AM — Solemn mass in Vilminore.
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM — Market fair along the village streets, with stalls selling clothing, food items, gastronomic specialties, and various goods.
The event will take place weather permitting.
Highlights Vilminore Market Fair 2026
- 405th anniversary of the Office of the Dead
- Uninterrupted tradition since 1621
- Stalls along the historic village streets
- Fair linked to the arrival of spring
Prices Vilminore Market Fair 2026
Practical information — Vilminore Market Fair
When
The fair is held on the Wednesday of mid-Lent. In 2026, Wednesday, March 18th, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (weather permitting).
Where and Contacts
Streets of the center of Vilminore di Scalve (BG). Municipality of Vilminore di Scalve, tel. +39 0346 51014, [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Vilminore Market Fair
Vie del centro di Vilminore di Scalve
Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 1, 24020 Vilminore di Scalve