40th Fiera di San Baudolino
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The Fiera di San Baudolino is the traditional event held in early November in Alessandria in honour of the city's patron saint. In 2026 it reached its 40th edition, marked by a special initiative coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the death of Alessandria-born writer Umberto Eco.[1]
The link with Umberto Eco
The fair's name refers to a dual figure named Baudolino: on one hand, the protagonist of Umberto Eco's eponymous novel, a cunning rogue who lived in the countryside near Marengo, in the area where Alessandria is said to have been founded in 1168; on the other, a real hermit, born in the hamlet of Foro — corresponding to today's Villa del Foro — who was chosen as the city's patron saint.[1]
The 2026 edition
The 40th-anniversary edition was organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Alessandria, with the support of public and private partners.[1] Alongside the traditional attractions, starting with truffles, the fair showcased two local products: aromatic rice, associated with the nearby Lomellina area in the province of Pavia, and the Cavolo di San Giovanni cabbage, typical of the Alessandria area and included in the Slow Food Ark of Taste since 2017.[1]
Outlook
On 14 and 15 November 2026 the municipality of Casal Cermelli will host the first official edition of the Fiera di San Giovanni, dedicated to the cabbage of the same name.[1]
Related articles: Alessandria, Umberto Eco
Sources
- ANSA Piemonte — 8 November 2026