Lonato Fair 2024: Cultural Events, Conferences, and Saint Anthony’s Feast
As tradition dictates, Fiera does not only mean an exposition, but also a series of related events dedicated to culture, art, music, and theater, as well as conferences. The program arranged for the 43rd edition, which will open its doors from January 12 to 14, ending on January 17 with the day always dedicated to the patron Saint Anthony the Abbot, presents a variety of appointments. Let’s see them.
Gala Evening and Presentation of the Edition
The event begins with the Gala evening of presentation, scheduled for January 5 at the Teatro Italia of the Oratorio Paolo VI, during which the members of the organizing Committee, chaired by the Mayor of Lonato, Morando Perini, will present the various moments and features of this edition.
During the evening, performances will include the Choirs of the Basilica and Arcangelo from Lonato, the city band, and the musicians of the Paolo Chimeri Academy of Lonato. The evening will also be an opportunity to present the Single Issue, rich in information and services on local traditions, history, and culture, curated by the same Mayor.
First Day of Stand Openings
Friday, January 12, marks the first day of the opening of the exhibition stands. At 2:00 PM, the Lonato Music Band will begin its traveling concert within the fairground spaces. The same traveling concert will be repeated on Saturday, January 13, and Sunday, January 14, with start times at 9:30 AM.
Also on Saturday, at 2:00 PM, the fair events along Corso Garibaldi will commence, while at 4:30 PM, in the Celesti Room at the City Hall, the first of three scheduled conferences will take place, titled “Rural Dwellings: Recovery and Enhancement,” with speaker Dr. Marcellina Bertolinelli.
In the evening, at the Teatro Paolo VI, starting at 9:00 PM, “Cyrano Rock,” a musical created and performed by the “Compagnia SS. Trinità” of Brescia, will be staged.
Main Day and Other Sunday Events
Sunday will host the main day of the Fair, with a conference organized by Coldiretti titled “Eating Healthy is Possible: How to Recognize Quality Products,” featuring top provincial officials.
In the afternoon, at 4:00 PM, also in the Celesti Room, the volume written by local expert and grappa collector Marino Da Monti, titled “Grappa, Tradition Not To Be Forgotten,” will be presented. Following this, in the exhibition spaces of ANAG, set up inside the large marquee located in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, a guided tasting of Brescia grappas will be held.
At 9:00 PM, with a traveling concert by the Band, the official part of the Fair dedicated to exhibitions will conclude. On Monday evening, in the Celesti Room, the third and final conference, moderated by the Director of Giornale di Brescia, Dr. Gian Battista Lanzani, will be held, titled “From Tarello to the Contemporary Age: The Evolution of Lombard Agriculture from 1600 to Today.” Speakers will include Dr. Roberto Berveglieri, Sen. Sandro Fontana, and Hon. Agostino Mantovani.
Closing with the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot
Wednesday afternoon will be entirely dedicated to the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, featuring the traditional and folkloric Animal Blessing, followed by the awards ceremony for the “chisöi” contests and shop windows.
In the evening, the event will conclude with a joyful gathering featuring roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and “music in company.”