San Prospero Festival

Reggio Emilia traditionally celebrates its patron saint, Saint Prospero, on November 24th.

A festive day that brings the historic center to life with street markets, local crafts, traditional products and cultural events.

The day is accompanied by religious celebrations in the Basilica of San Prospero, creating a festive atmosphere that invites residents and visitors to experience the historic center and rediscover the traditions of one of the city's most beloved events.

The highlight of the day is the large open-air market, featuring vendors from all over Italy, filling the main squares and streets of the city center, from Piazza Prampolini to Piazza San Prospero, passing through Piazza Fontanesi, Piazza della Vittoria, via Emilia and via Roma. There are plenty of opportunities to discover local flavors, from Piazza Fontanesi with its food specialties and rural traditional products (featuring a special showcase of Piedmontese producers) to Piazza San Prospero with Apennine delicacies, including roasted chestnuts, honey, castagnaccio (chestnut cake), Parmigiano Reggiano and erbazzone (savory spinach pie), alongside the signature cauldron of San Prospero. Meanwhile, Piazza della Vittoria stands as a vibrant hub dedicated to artistic expression and creativity.

Full schedule currently being finalized.

The legend

According to the tradition, San Prospero lived in the V century a.C. and was Bishop of Reggio Emilia between 480 and 505, but there is a lack of historical records about him. He was likely from Reggio Emilia and deserved not only the honour of the episcopate but also the cult as saint, for his effort in spreading and defending faith and in protecting the town.

The Saint is celebrated every year November 24. In 452 a.C., one of his miracle occurred: that day, San Prospero made a thick fog cover Reggio Emilia, so that it wasn't visible to Attila, who was than coming back from the failed raid in Rome.

In many of Reggio Emilia's churches, there are statues and frescoes depicting him as the city's patron saint.