Online presentation of Aniello Amato's volume on May 24th

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM, the book "History of the Cannalonga Fair (SA)," written by researcher Aniello Amato, will be presented online. The event is promoted by the Progetto Centola historical-cultural association and the Mingardo/Lambro/Cultura Group.

Speakers and Moderation

The meeting will be introduced and moderated by Ezio Martuscelli, president of both organizing entities. The following will be speaking with the author: Antonella Casaburi, writer; Maura Fortunati, professor at the University of Genoa; and the historian Fernando La Greca. The author will conclude with a speech.

How to participate

The presentation will take place on Google Meet. Interested parties are invited to join starting at 4:45 PM at the following link: meet.google.com/oiw-cpsz-rgu

A book that tells an identity

The volume, published by the Centro di Promozione Culturale per il Cilento and available on Amazon, traces the long history of the Cannalonga fair, a thousand-year-old event that has its roots in the late Middle Ages. The first documentary attestation of the fair dates back to 1452, a period in which it was already widely consolidated.

The Origins: Devotion and Rural Exchanges

Originally, the fair took place every December 13th in an area outside the ancient farmhouse of Cannalonga, probably near a rural chapel dedicated to Saint Lucia. The main trade areas were farmyard animals such as pigs, sheep and goats, as well as local artisan products such as shoes and woolen clothing.

Evolution over the centuries

With the passage of the barony to the Mogrovejo in 1680, the fair changed period: from the XNUMXth century it was moved to the third Sunday of September, completing a market cycle that followed the fair of the Cross of Stio by a few days. In this phase, the event was enriched with the trade of linen fabrics and goods from the agro-pastoral universe.

 From the “Santa Lucia Fair” to the “Frecagnòla Fair”

At the end of the 19th century, the date was moved forward to the second Sunday of September, and the event took on its current name, the Frecagnòla Fair . This highly evocative name is today a symbol of a vibrant and resilient cultural identity.

Tradition that is renewed

Thanks to the local community's ability to adapt to historical changes, the Cannalonga fair has become one of the most representative folkloristic events of rural Cilento. A mix of dances, popular music, crafts, commerce and food and wine traditions that continues to attract residents and visitors.