FAIR OF GRAZIE: TRADITION, ART AND DEVOTION

The Ancient Fair of Grazie has been held every year on the days of August in the town of Curtatone (MN), in the town of Grazie, since the 15th century. Established in 1425 by Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, the fair has spanned the centuries, being suspended only on rare occasions due to force majeure such as plagues and wars, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair takes place on the square in front of the Marian Sanctuary of Grazie, erected as an ex vota for the cessation of the plague, and is held on August 15 on the occasion of the anniversary of the consecration of the Sanctuary (15 August 1406). This event is an unmissable event for the province of Mantua and attracts about 90,000 visitors every year, including many from Mantua who return to the area for the occasion.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the fair is the National Meeting of the Madonnari, which has been held since 1973. In that year, ten artists tried their hand at the ephemeral art of colored chalk for the first time, kicking off an event that today attracts 150 madonnari from all over the world. On the evening of August 14, after the blessing of the chalks, the artists begin to create their works, working all night to offer visitors, the next morning, an extraordinary palette of colors on the square. A jury of experts selects the best works.

Over the years, the Fair of Grazie has seen the participation of Madonna from countries such as Mexico, Germany, Holland, Russia, the United States, Colombia, Romania, Japan, Belgium, Hungary, Venezuela, Chile, Mali and Mongolia. This event has inspired similar events in different parts of the world, especially in the United States, with dedicated festivals in California and Florida.

The Centro Italiano Madonnari (CIM), based in Grazie di Curtatone, deals with the preservation and promotion of the Madonnara tradition. The Museo dei Madonnari, recently renovated, and the urban museum of the Madonnari, inaugurated in 2020, testify to the importance of this art form. In addition, the Madonnara Flavio Sirio Municipal School of Art offers courses to pass on this tradition to new generations.

The municipal administration is working to obtain the recognition of the Fair of Grace and Madonnara art as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

A Village of Inestimable Natural Value
Grazie di Curtatone, part of the “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” circuit, is located in the Mincio Regional Park, a protected natural area that includes the Valli del Mincio Nature Reserve, one of the largest inland wetlands in Italy. Here, thanks to the “Mincio Boatmen”, it is possible to explore the natural environment on board boats, among reeds and lotus flowers. This territory has been awarded the European EDEN award for sustainable tourism.

The Fair of Grazie is not just a cultural event, but an immersive experience that combines art, history, faith and nature. The charm of the village, the tradition of the Madonnari and the beauty of the river landscape make this event an unmissable event for those who want to experience a mid-August in the name of culture and beauty.