Mercatanti in Fiera: the international event that brings Bergamo to life

The City Food and Wine Culture

26 September 2025

Every autumn, the heart of Bergamo is transformed into a large international stage thanks to Mercatanti in Fiera, an event that attracts thousands of visitors and that, year after year, has become an unmissable tradition.

For four days, the Sentierone – the historic promenade in the city centre – is filled with lights, scents and voices from every corner of the world, offering a unique opportunity to go on a real sensory journey without leaving Bergamo.

What is Mercatanti in Fiera?

Mercatanti in Fiera is one of the most popular autumn events in Bergamo. It is a large international open-air market, which every year brings stalls, food stands and artisans from all over Europe and beyond right into the heart of the city.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of a global village, where the aromas, flavours, music and traditions of over twenty different countries coexist.

As we mentioned above, this event takes place on Bergamo’s Sentierone, the main street of the Città Bassa, which, for the occasion, is transformed into a colourful and lively itinerary. Here, there are more than a hundred stalls, lined up along the promenade and in the adjacent squares.

Bergamo’s Sentierone

When is the Mercatanti festival in Bergamo?

The event usually takes place over a weekend in early October, from Thursday to Sunday. The 23rd edition is scheduled to take place from Thursday the 16th to Sunday the 19th of October 2025.

This tried-and-tested format allows Bergamo residents and the several tourists who visit the city to enjoy a long weekend of conviviality.

Mercatanti 2025 – timetable

The stands open every day at 9 am and remain open until midnight, except on Sundays, when they close earlier, at 10 pm.

Walking along the Sentierone at night, when the scent of spices and exotic cuisines is combined with the music and chatter of the crowd, creates a festive global village atmosphere.

Why visit the Mercatanti in Bergamo?

Mercatanti in Fiera is not just a market, but a true experience of cultural exchange. It is the ideal place for those who love to try new cuisines, discover interesting handicrafts, or simply enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere in the heart of Bergamo.

Families, young people, tourists and residents: everyone will find a reason to stop, taste something, buy a special item or get caught up in the festive atmosphere.

What can you find at the Mercatanti fair?

Over 100 exhibitors from more than 20 countries animate the event, turning shopping among the stalls of the Mercatanti in Bergamo into an opportunity for cultural discovery.

If you love good cuisine and street food, this is a paradise: the offerings range from German pretzels and craft beers to French crêpes, Spanish paella and spicy Eritrean dishes, as well as more distant and exotic options such as Japanese takoyaki and Brazilian picanha.

There is also authentic craftsmanship, with colourful fabrics, hand-painted ceramics, ethnic jewellery and decorative items that reflect the culture of their countries of origin.

The evening hours are particularly evocative: the lights of the stalls, the music and the aroma of the dishes create a lively and convivial atmosphere, and there is no shortage of side events – in addition to shopping, also musical entertainment and travelling shows are often organised to enliven the Sentierone.

Edificio Lotto G of Sentierone in Bergamo

Do you want to experience Bergamo like never before? Hop on a Tuk Tuk with Bergamo by Tuk Tuk and discover the Mercatanti Fair from a unique perspective: hidden alleys, charming views, flavors and sounds brought to life – all without effort! Book your tour now: emotions, smiles, and the festive atmosphere await you around every corner of the Sentierone.

How to reach the Mercatanti in Fiera

During the fair, traffic restrictions and detours are in place in the city centre, in order to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. Visitors arriving from outside Bergamo can therefore leave their cars in the Park and Ride parking areas.

The most convenient one is the Bergamo Exhibition Centre (via Lunga), with around 300 free parking spaces on weekdays and a direct connection to the city centre via the ATB 1 line, which runs frequently to Porta Nuova and the Upper Town. Good alternatives are also the Garage San Marco and the car park in Piazza della Libertà.

If you prefer to park in the city centre, the Parcheggio del Centro car park (in Via Borfuro) is very convenient, just a few steps away from Sentierone.

If you arrive in Bergamo by train, the walk from the station is short and pleasant. The fair is about a 15-minute walk away (approximately 1 km). Just leave the station, walk straight along Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII and you will arrive directly at Porta Nuova, the heart of Sentierone.