The “Fiera dei Becchi” in Santarcangelo di Romagna

In Santarcangelo, St Martin’s Fair is also known as the Fiera dei Becchi. For those unfamiliar with the term, in Italian «becco» can mean a billy goat, but also a “cuckolded” husband whose wife has been unfaithful.

Beneath the large arch in Piazza Ganganelli, enormous horns decorated with colourful knitted cords are hung. In the past, these cords were used to adorn ox horns during fairs. According to tradition, the horns begin to sway when an unfortunate betrayed husband walks beneath the arch!

During the fair, there are also plenty of stalls offering local food and wine specialities, such as roasted chestnuts and Cagnina, a sweet wine much loved in Santarcangelo.

Throughout the fair, many events and places highlight the town’s connection with Romagna traditions, as well as the most feared appointment of all: the fateful walk beneath the horns of the arch, the playful and superstitious symbol of a centuries-old tradition.