The traditional Fiera di San Provino took place this week in a blessedly beautiful period of mild temperatures and sunshine. We have had months of rain, with only an occasional day of sun inbetween, so to have had this four day Festa take place  under consistently sunny skies seemed like a miracle.

Like nearly all village events in Switzerland, the Fiera di San Provino dates back centuries. It began in the 15th century as a way to mark the transition from Winter to Spring, and it has its roots as both a religious and agricultural celebration. One version of the San Provino origin has it that the market aspect took on a bigger role centuries ago when the main market in Lugano was closed due to fear of the plague and animal- spread contagion. Therefore the market was transferred outside of the city to Agno.

The religious aspect of the Fiera still remains; the Santa Messa, holy Mass, is held late Saturday afternoon, followed by a procession through the town center with the busta di San Provino, a wooden box apparently containing a piece of bone from Saint Provino. This year the Sunday Mass was officiated by our new Bishop Valerio.

But for the hundreds that attend the 4 day fair, it is all the other attractions which draw their attendence. Food is chief among them.
Befitting its lakeside location, pesciolini fritti, fried little fish, is one of the most popular and traditional food choices, with long lines of people waiting to get their box of fish.

It really is a celebration of Ticino traditions, with a variety of products exhibited, from cheese and salami to hand-carved wooden objects.
But what would a Fiera di San Provino be without its most famous item: Ravioli di San Provino!
You only get them once a year at the Fair, and it is a top-secret recipe. They are a sweet, fried ravioli, with a filling revealed only as containing amaretti, prunes and cedro, a citrus type fruit. Served hot and sprinkled with powdered sugar, one bites into the crunch of the pasta and on into the soft, sweet filling. I’ve never tasted anything like them; they’re fantastic.

Of course there must be amusements for the children.
A good time was had by all. There was lots of talking, laughing, looking, eating, and even listening – to the great band which added just the right jolly note.