Ancient Fair of Santa Lucia

The Ancient Market (or Ancient Fair) of Saint Lucy is the oldest Christmas event in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna. Its roots date back to the end of the 16th century, when Pope Gregory XIII donated a relic of Saint Lucy to the diocese of Bologna. The Jesuit Fathers founded a church in Via Castiglione to house it, dedicated to the Saint: the first stalls selling sacred icons and sweets linked to the festivities sprang up on its steps. During the Napoleonic era, the Fair was temporarily suspended, only to resume after the return of the Papal States. Since then, it has been held under the monumental portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi.

For centuries, the Santa Lucia Fair has marked the start of the city's Christmas season. Accompanying families in their preparations for Christmas, the event now offers a wide range of typical products: under the portico of the Servi, renovated stalls display nativity scene figurines, Christmas decorations, handmade candles, nougat, Bolognese mistocchine and other sweets, as well as gift items and handicrafts. In 2013, the Fair was equipped with modern exhibition facilities to better showcase the products of local artisans.