Fiera di San Benedetto in Norcia
The Fiera di San Benedetto in Norcia is tied to the celebrations for the patron saint of Norcia and of Europe. San Benedetto (Saint Benedict) was born in Norcia in the 5th century. Norcia is an Umbrian municipality in the province of Perugia, on a broad plain at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains. In the Middle Ages the fair was one of the events of a four-day program. The free Comune of Nursia regulated it from the 12th century and granted goods exemption from customs duties. Today the anniversary is focused around March 20 and 21, with the torchlight procession, the historical procession and the solemn celebration.
The earthquake left its mark on the places of the feast. The October 2016 earthquake destroyed the 14th-century Basilica di San Benedetto and much of the monastery; rebuilt, the basilica was handed back to the town on October 30 and 31, 2025, and in 2026 it hosted the patron saint's celebrations. Before leaving, it is best to check the accessibility of individual sites and the program for the year.
When the Fiera di San Benedetto takes place
The main day is March 21. On that date all Benedictine communities commemorate the death of their founder. On the evening of March 20, the "Pro Europa Una" torch relay arrives in Norcia, starting each year from a different place. Tradition also provides for a second anniversary, on July 11.
Events extend throughout the month. March is called "Marzo Benedettino" (Benedictine March). In 2026 the Fiaccola Benedettina (Benedictine Torch) was lit on March 1 in the basilica of Norcia, officially opening the celebrations. On March 18 it left Montecassino for a 320-kilometer relay toward Norcia, with a stop in Subiaco, and on March 20 it returned to the town.
The Fiera di San Benedetto program
The program changes from year to year, but its structure is stable. In 2026, on the evening of March 20, the torch was welcomed in Piazza San Benedetto by worshippers, officials and schoolchildren with paper torches. The lights of the historic center were turned off and the bells were ringing. The tripod beneath the statue of the saint was lit as the runners entered through Porta Romana.
On March 21, 2026, the day went like this: conventual Mass at the abbey of San Benedetto in Monte, the parade of the Corteo Storico (historical procession) in Piazza San Benedetto and a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Renato Boccardo. At the end, a procession through the streets of the town and a blessing with the Reliquary. In the evening, at the Digipass, the spring concert "La musica dei piccoli" was held.
The procession has medieval roots. It recalls the offering of candles and palii (banners), donated by the old castles and by the Guaite, the districts into which the town is still divided. Participants parade in medieval dress. Before Mass, the Guaite offer the candles to the saint. On the afternoon of March 21, after the procession with the Bishop, the Guaite compete in Piazza San Benedetto in a crossbow contest.
In the days before, the municipality usually offers a cultural calendar. In 2026 there was a concert by the town band on March 15 and, on March 19 at the Digipass, the presentation of a book by the journalist Paolo Mieli.
The historic fair was part of a broader program. It included the procession on the eve with the magistrates, the eight Guaite and the guilds, the release of a prisoner and the Mass of the Benedictine abbot. Then came the offering of the palii by the 27 castles of Norcia, the palio horse race and the ring race for teenagers. The link with the saint also appears in other events. In 2023 the first day of Nero Norcia, the truffle festival, was dedicated to San Benedetto, with the lighting of the Benedictine torch. For other events, see the page on events and food festivals in the Sibillini.
How to get to the Fiera di San Benedetto
The celebrations are held in Norcia, in Umbria. By car, from the north, follow the A1 toward Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto and take the Spoleto-Norcia road. From Spoleto, the "Forca di Cerro" tunnel is recommended. Exit at Sant'Anatolia di Narco and continue on the SS 209 Valnerina.
From the south, leave the A1 at the Orte toll booth and head toward Spoleto; from Rome it takes about two hours. From the Adriatic side, take the A14 to the San Benedetto del Tronto exit, then the expressway toward Ascoli Piceno and on to Norcia. From Ascoli the drive to Norcia is short.
Without a car, there are daily bus connections from Rome (Tiburtina station) and from Spoleto. In town, the bus service links Norcia to its hamlets and to the main points of interest. The nearest airports are Perugia and Rome-Fiumicino.