The beginning of the fair goes back to the year 1260. Back then the Dominican Brothers, wanting to attract pilgrims to celebrate a Feast of their patron saint on August 4, asked Pope Alexander IV for permission to organize the fair.
Over the years, the fair has become a huge commercial event, to which merchants would come from all over Europe and the country, which helped the development of the city. To this day, St. Dominic’s Fair is very popular, with one of the main attractions being the collectors’ marketplace and flea market, where you can buy and sell almost anything. At the Rybny Targ (Fish Market) you can find many antiques, ceramics and former German pre-war souvenirs. Ulica Pańska (Lord Street) offers a wealth of regional dishes. Here you can taste lard with bread, cold cuts, all kinds of beers and liqueurs.
Every year, the event begins with a historic parade in a theatrical setting, in which you will see many historical and mythical figures. St. Dominic’s Fair continues through the first three weeks of August and is the largest commercial-cultural event in this part of Europe. During the Fair many festivals are also held–St. Dominic festival the “Soul Fair”, the indulgence of a solemn procession, Carillon festival and Bread feast. There is no shortage of concerts, theatrical performances and colourful happenings.
