THE FAIR OF PADOVA
1919 ITALY'S FIRST TRADE FAIR OPENS
The History of Padova Fiere -1919, the first Italian trade fair
Padova Exhibition Centre was inaugurated in 1919 with the first edition
of Campionara, exhibition devoted to all aspects of the good life; food,
holidays, tourism, travelling, hobbies & interests….
This was held during a period prior to the existence of the present trade
fair in a city seriously damaged by the 1st world war. At that time fairs
were held at the Foro Boario, (public forum) the Palazzo della Ragione
and the Pietro Selvatico School. Padova Fiere rapidly became known as
the fair of the North West attracting visitors from within and beyond
the city of Padua . The origins of Padova Fiere extend well beyond this
period however to medieval times, when festivities to celebrate Saint
Prosdocimo and Saint Giustina, patron saints of the city of Padua were
held.
Campionaria was held for some time in front of the Saint Anthony Church
and at the Prato della Valle during times of pilgrimages to celebrate,
devote and collect memorabilia of Saint Anthony.
The official visit of King Vittorio Emanuelle III honoured the first edition
of 1919 and thus boosted the bid to build an exhibition site. In 1920,
Campionaria received a concert by the renowned master Arturo Toscanini.
The following year 1921, the new site on the Via Niccolo Tommaseo, where
Padva Fiere is today was ready. The year 1923 saw the visit of Mussolini
and the King of Italy.
Through commitment to innovation and tradition from 1929, Campionaria
was delighted to welcome the first sale for used vehicles and the first
international exhibition for Sacred Modern Christian Art. During the thirties,
the fair flourishing and by now autonomous received in 1935 an exhibition
devoted to the film industry featuring 1072 projections. The 2nd world
war interrupted the activities of the exhibition centre, and the surrounding
district was severely damaged by bombing. After the 2nd world war, the
reconstruction and in 1954 the foundation, in part from the Padua City
Council, the County Council, the Chamber of Commerce and Padova Fiere
was established. The development in the sixties was marked by specialised
shows: by the trade fair complex to the Campionaria show, remaining international
and in line with other fairs, responding to market demands. This continued
until the end of the nineties.
From 2002, Padova Fiere became a Public Limited Company, the first of
its kind in Italy and in 2005 the majority of the shares were bought by
the French Multinational GL Events, following European legislation, and
reflecting the changing dimensions of the Trade Fair industry. |
