An old proverb states,"For St. Martin every must is wine." In fact, the saint is remembered on the eleventh of November, when agricultural work is mostly over: having finished the fruit harvest, stock preparation and autumn sowing, the winemaking process has now come to an end as well, hence the aforementioned saying. Important time for the Ticino of yesteryear, for the expiration of agrarian contracts, payment of rents and participation in fairs.

Times have changed, but the St. Martin's Fair in Mendrisio remains a must-attend event that has been held every autumn for nearly four hundred years. Among stalls with countless produce from the earth and brown cows, farmers from all over the region gather to sell, buy and bargain, in a festive and contagious atmosphere, especially when the sun warms the November days.

Free admission.