Fairs of Saint Martin and Saint Provino

The Saint Martin’s Fair in Mendrisio is held on the lawns surrounding the late-Romanesque church of Saints Martin and Rocco, while the fair honouring Saint Provino takes place close to the Collegiate Church of Saint John the Baptist and Provino in Agno, centre of the former pieve (parish). The Saint Martin’s Fair happens on 11 November every year and includes the weekend before or after this date. The Saint Provino’s Fair stretches over the weekend and following Monday closest to 8 March. Both fairs keep the region’s ancient rural heritage alive with farming displays featuring livestock, vehicles and machinery. Until just a few decades ago, they were firm fixtures on every farmer’s calendar. The agricultural emphasis has gradually waned over the past 50 years, giving way to market stalls selling local produce (sausages, honey, cheese and wine) as well as clothing and toys. The fairs also include fairground rides such as merry-go-rounds and various educational activities organised by young people from the area in conjunction with associations from the rest of the canton. The churches throw their doors open to visitors for the whole duration of both fairs and also hold services in honour of their respective patron saints.