Opening Ceremony and Blessing of the Fair
Crowds of locals gather around the main pavilion as a priest and officials open the fair. Food and crafts stands open immediately after.
Nov 8
St. Martin's Fair
Fiera di San Martino
Mendrisio, Switzerland
Nov 8 - 11, 2025ConfirmedSource
Each St. Martin's Day, the town of Mendrisio holds a centuries-old autumn fair, the Fiera di San Martino. Local foods, wine, and livestock fill the days as the farming year draws to its close, in a celebration that marks the end of the harvest in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Key moments
Day 1 · Nov 8
Where it happens
Prati di San Martino
Mendrisio, Switzerland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Bring the right payment
Bring cash for local products (many grotti accept only cash)
Read the local rhythm
Dress warmly for late autumn weather
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
St. Martin's Fair
Fiera di San Martino
Mendrisio, Switzerland
Each St. Martin's Day, the town of Mendrisio holds a centuries-old autumn fair, the Fiera di San Martino. Local foods, wine, and livestock fill the days as the farming year draws to its close, in a celebration that marks the end of the harvest in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Nov 8 - 11, 2025Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
The fair coincides with St. Martin's Day (Nov 11), historically marking end of the harvest and wine fermenting season. A local proverb notes ‘per San Martino ogni mosto è vino’ (by St. Martin’s Day every must has become wine), embodying the tradition of tasting the new vintage. The event draws on Ticino's winegrowing heritage and rural customs, blending market stalls with folk entertainment.
Key moments to know
Day 1Nov 8Approximate
Opening Ceremony and Blessing of the Fair
Crowds of locals gather around the main pavilion as a priest and officials open the fair. Food and crafts stands open immediately after.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Bring the right payment
Bring cash for local products (many grotti accept only cash)
Read the local rhythm
Dress warmly for late autumn weather
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing
Respect local boundaries
Respect vendors' customs (e.g., carry your own bags, avoid haggling), and dispose of litter responsibly.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Nov 8 - 11, 2025
Confirmed
City / Area
Mendrisio
Mendrisio, Ticino
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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