The San Faustino Fair in Brescia

Every February 15th, Brescia’s city center transforms into a bustling, lively fair in honor of its patron saints, Faustino and Giovita.

Stalls and religious celebrations merge in a unique event that draws thousands of people from the city, surrounding areas and the province. The San Faustino Fair combines the sacred dimension of the saints’ worship with the popular charm of a traditional fair. It has become a true landmark occasion for the people of Brescia, a cherished and long-standing tradition that fills the streets with life, scents and sounds.

The origins of the San Faustino Fair date back centuries. Saints Faustino and Giovita, Brescia’s patron saints, were Christian martyrs who lived in the 2nd century AD. Their lives and martyrdom are closely tied to the spread of Christianity in northern Italy. According to tradition, the two brothers were noble Brescian knights who converted to Christianity and were persecuted under Emperor Hadrian. They were condemned to death for refusing to renounce their faith and were martyred around 120 AD.

The cult of the two saints grew especially during the Middle Ages when Brescia, facing difficult times, sought their protection. It is said that during Piccinino’s siege, the saints miraculously appeared to defend the city, strengthening the bond between the Brescian community and its patrons.

The fair, linked to the religious celebration, takes place annually on February 15th and has become a significant moment of public participation. Over time, what began as a purely religious celebration evolved into a full-scale fair with stalls of all kinds.

The San Faustino Fair begins with a series of religious ceremonies in the church dedicated to Saints Faustino and Giovita. The most solemn moment is the morning Mass, attended by city authorities, representatives of various religious communities and thousands of worshippers.

The church, located in the heart of Brescia, is one of the city’s most significant places of worship. After the service, a traditional ceremony takes place under the portico of the Palazzo della Loggia, where the red hat (or galero) is exchanged between the bishop and the city’s mayor, symbolizing unity and mutual respect.

The San Faustino Fair is, above all, a great popular festival. From the early morning, the historic center of Brescia comes alive with hundreds of stalls set up in the main squares, such as Piazza Vittoria and Piazza della Loggia. It is estimated that over 600 vendors participate each year, making the fair one of the most significant events in the region.

The stalls offer a wide variety of products and every year, locals search for the quirkiest, funniest and most incredible items sold by the street vendors.

Food is also one of the fair’s highlights. Popular gastronomic delights include cheeses, cured meats, sweets and baked goods, many of which come from Brescian valleys and other Lombard provinces. Carnival treats like fritters and “chiacchiere” are especially popular since the fair often coincides with the Carnival period. These fried pastries, also known as “lattughe,” are a traditional favorite.