Each year on August 7, Arezzo honors its patron saint, San Donato, with a day of religious ceremonies and the traditional Fiera di San Donato. Many visitors search for the fair in September, but the event is firmly tied to early August. If you are planning a trip around this celebration, this guide explains when the fair takes place, where to find it, and how to attend comfortably.
The fair is part of the broader Festa di San Donato, which includes evening events on August 6. The date is a public holiday in the city, marking the martyrdom of the second bishop of Arezzo, who died in 362. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere with food stalls lining the historic center, alongside the solemn processions and fireworks that are part of the two-day patronal feast.
What to Expect at the Fair
The Fiera di San Donato is a street fair that, in recent years, has featured food vendors and stalls selling local produce and regional specialties. It is not a large amusement fair with rides, but rather a traditional market where local food operators set up temporary stands. The event's focus is on seasonal Tuscan foods, from cured meats and cheeses to baked goods and sweet treats, which shoppers can sample while strolling through the historical center.
The fair takes place in a specific section of Corso Italia, the main pedestrian artery that runs from the train station toward Piazza Grande. The stalls are traditionally set up between via Cavour and via Vasari, creating a lively corridor that invites leisurely browsing. Beyond the vendors, the fair coincides with religious services held in the morning and evening at the Pieve di Santa Maria and the cathedral, giving visitors a chance to witness local traditions.
Fair Location and Schedule
The Fiera di San Donato takes place on August 7, the feast day of Arezzo's patron saint. This is the day after the evening Offerta del cero ceremony and fireworks show. The main fair activities are scheduled from early morning until midnight, as indicated by the city's traffic and street-cleaning regulations. The specific start and end times of vendors may vary, so allow time to explore throughout the day.
The fair's home is the stretch of Corso Italia between via Cavour and via Vasari. This area is usually closed to traffic for the event, allowing pedestrians to move freely between the stalls. If you enter from via Cavour, you'll find the southern end of the fair, while via Vasari marks the northern boundary. The location is in the heart of Arezzo's medieval center, close to notable landmarks like the Pieve di Santa Maria.
Food and Vendors
The fair is known for its food stalls, which are set up by local operators in the food sector. You can expect a variety of products typical of Tuscan street food and gastronomy. While the exact lineup changes each year, the organizers typically feature vendors selling local produce, artisanal foods, and ready-to-eat snacks. This is a good opportunity to taste regional specialties without the crowds of larger festivals.
Because the fair is relatively small, vendors may not offer a wide range of non-food products. If you are looking for souvenirs, you might need to combine your fair visit with a stop at the city's shops or weekly markets. The fair's charm lies in its local character, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the Tuscan countryside.
Transportation and Parking
Parking can be challenging on August 7 due to street closures and parking restrictions around the historic center. City authorities typically impose parking bans along the fair route and nearby streets, including viale Buozzi and via Ricasoli. Plan to park outside the city center and walk, or arrive early to secure a spot in one of the designated parking areas outside the restricted zones.
Traffic restrictions are in force from early morning to midnight on the day of the fair, as reported by local news outlets. This includes a ban on transit and parking on Corso Italia between via Cavour and via Vasari. Before heading to the fair, check the latest notices from the Comune di Arezzo for any changes to the restrictions and closures.
Tips for Visitors
Wear comfortable shoes because the fair route and the historic center are best explored on foot. The fair is held on Corso Italia, which is a largely pedestrian street, so walking is the most practical way to get around. If you are driving, consider using the parking areas near the train station or the Prato park to avoid the restricted zones.
Combine your visit with religious events to get a fuller experience. On August 7, the bishop leads Holy Mass at the Pieve di Santa Maria at 11 am and at the cathedral at 6 pm. Attending these services can give you insight into the patronal traditions. Also, keep in mind that the previous evening (August 6) features the Offerta del cero and fireworks at the Fortezza Medicea, which may be a great addition to your itinerary.
Because the fair is held in August, the weather is typically hot. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Many visitors find that the midday heat is intense, so plan to arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon when temperatures are milder and the stalls are still open.
San Donato and the Giostra del Saracino
The celebration of San Donato is historically linked to the Giostra del Saracino, the famous jousting tournament that takes place in Arezzo's Piazza Grande. According to local tradition, the modern Giostra was revived on August 7, 1931, deliberately chosen to coincide with the patronal feast. The connection goes back further: the medieval statute of 1327 mandates that the city offer a candle to the saint, and historical records show that jousting was held on this day.
The ceremony of the Offerta del cero includes the participation of the Musici and quartieri of the Giostra, who march in procession to the cathedral. This underscores the civic pride and the central role of the jousting tradition in the city's identity. If you're interested in the tournament itself, it is held in June and September, with the September edition often taking place on the first Sunday. For full details on the joust's dates and traditions, you can read our dedicated guide.
Nearby Attractions to Pair with Your Fair Visit
Arezzo's historic center is compact, and several landmarks are within walking distance of the fair on Corso Italia. The Pieve di Santa Maria with its striking Romanesque facade is just a short stroll away, and the cathedral (Duomo) sits atop the hill, offering views over the city. You can also visit the house of the poet Petrarch, which is located near the cathedral.
Art lovers should not miss the Basilica of San Francesco, home to Piero della Francesca's renowned fresco cycle of the Legend of the True Cross. For a break from the crowds, the Fortezza Medicea, a Medici fortress, is a pleasant green space that hosts the fireworks on August 6. Inside the fortress, the park offers picnic spots and panoramic views of the valley.
If you want to explore Arezzo's medieval quarters, you can follow the routes used by the Giostra's quartieri. These historical neighborhoods come alive during the tournament, and you can learn about their rivalries and identities in our article on the four quarters of Arezzo.
Plan Your Arezzo Trip with These Resources
To make the most of your trip to Arezzo, keep an eye on the city's official website for up-to-date event information and any last-minute changes. The Comune di Arezzo publishes program details and traffic notices, which are essential for navigating the fair day. For a broader overview of festivals across Italy, our month-by-month calendar can help you plan your travels around other events scheduled near your visit.
Plan Your Visit
The Fiera di San Donato offers a genuine taste of Arezzo's local life and religious heritage. Mark August 7 on your calendar if you wish to experience this authentic street fair, with its food stalls and festive spirit. Start planning early, pay attention to traffic restrictions, and be ready to explore the city's historical highlights while you're there.
For the most reliable, up-to-date details on exact fair hours and vendor participation, check the official city website closer to your intended visit date. Knowing the schedule and street closures in advance will make your trip to the fair smoother and more enjoyable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Fiera di San Donato in Arezzo?
The Fiera di San Donato takes place on August 7 every year, which is the feast day of the patron saint of Arezzo. The city celebrates the festival with religious services and the fair that day, and the evening before (August 6) features the Offerta del cero ceremony and fireworks.
Where does the Fiera di San Donato take place?
The fair is traditionally held on the section of Corso Italia between via Cavour and via Vasari in Arezzo's historic center. This area is closed to traffic for the event, allowing visitors to browse the food stalls easily.
What happens during the Festa di San Donato?
The Festa di San Donato spans two days. On August 6, a ceremony called the Offerta del cero takes place, where the city offers a candle to the saint in the cathedral, followed by a fireworks show from the Fortezza Medicea. On August 7, religious services are held in the Pieve di Santa Maria and the cathedral, and the Fiera di San Donato (food fair) operates on Corso Italia.
Are there fireworks during the San Donato celebrations?
Yes, on the evening of August 6, a fireworks display is traditionally held from the Fortezza Medicea in Arezzo as part of the patronal celebrations. The show typically starts around 11 pm, following the Offerta del cero ceremony.
