A sagra is one of Italy’s most cherished traditions: local festivals that celebrate seasonal foods and regional specialties with heartfelt pride. Typically held in small towns and rural villages, these events transform public squares into lively gatherings filled with open-air dining, music, local crafts, and generous helpings of homemade dishes.

More than just food fairs, sagre reflect the rhythms of Italy’s agricultural calendar, honoring what’s fresh, local, and deeply rooted in tradition. From truffles to lemons, chestnuts to onions, each sagra offers a unique way to savor Italian culture and cuisine. They’re informal, festive, and inclusive, offering visitors a genuine connection to community life, often with no reservations or tickets required. And with delicious food served at affordable prices, sagre remain an unbeatable way to experience Italy’s flavors and stories. And now, be ready to find out our personal favorites as Local Experts!

When: April

Each spring, the seaside town of Ladispoli, just an hour from Rome, bursts into celebration for the Sagra del Carciofo Romanesco, dedicated to the region’s beloved Romanesco artichoke. This variety is celebrated for its tender heart, mild flavor, and stunning purple-tinged leaves. For one glorious weekend in April, the streets fill with the scent of sizzling olive oil and herbs as food stalls serve artichokes in every form imaginable.

You’ll find them fried alla giudia, a Jewish-Roman tradition that leaves the leaves crispy and golden, or stuffed and braised in garlic and mint, alla romana. There are grilled artichokes, artichoke pasta, and even artichoke liquors. Beyond the food, the festival includes cooking shows, art exhibits, parades, and performances by local folk groups.

Ladispoli’s location on the Lazio coast adds an extra dimension: stroll from your artichoke feast to the nearby beach, gelato in hand. The Sagra del Carciofo is a celebration of spring, of Roman culinary heritage, and of the simple joys of eating in the open air with locals who take immense pride in their produce.

When: Mid-May

In the stunning coastal village of Monterosso al Mare, one of the jewels of the Cinque Terre, the arrival of spring is marked by the fragrant and colorful Sagra del Limone. This lemon festival celebrates the region’s famed limoni: plump, intensely aromatic lemons that thrive on the terraced hillsides overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

The entire village dresses in yellow for the occasion, with lemon-themed decorations adorning balconies, streets, and stalls. The festival showcases the lemon in every imaginable form: lemon marmalades, lemon cream pastries, lemon risotto, seafood with lemon zest, and the iconic limoncello liqueur. Artisan booths also offer lemon-scented soaps, candles, and crafts, turning the town into a cheerful citrus wonderland.

The sagra is not only a feast for the senses but also a tribute to local heritage and the hard work of the lemon growers. With the sea breeze in the air, music playing in the piazzas, and lemon delicacies at every corner, the Festa del Limone is one of the freshest, most charming experiences the Italian Riviera has to offer. By the way, did you already check out our Cinque Terre itinerary?

When: Early September

Just a short ride from Rome, the town of Ariccia comes alive each September with one of Italy’s most mouth-watering festivals: the Sagra della Porchetta. This celebrated event pays homage to porchetta, the town’s iconic dish made from whole pork, deboned, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, fennel, and wild herbs, then slow-roasted to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a golden, crispy skin: a delicacy that’s both rustic and revered.

The festival dates back to the 1950s, but the tradition of porchetta itself is ancient, believed to have Roman and even Etruscan origins. During the sagra, Ariccia’s streets are filled with food vendors offering generous slices of porchetta served in warm bread rolls, accompanied by local wines from the Castelli Romani area. Traditional folk music, dancing, and historical reenactments add to the festive atmosphere, turning the town into a giant open-air banquet.

What makes this festival so special isn’t just the food, but the sheer joy and community pride that radiates from every corner. Whether you’re seated at long communal tables or strolling past bustling stalls, you’ll be immersed in a uniquely Roman countryside experience that’s hearty, lively, and utterly unforgettable. If you’re visiting Rome in September and you’re a serious meat lover, pay a visit to the town!

When: September

In the forested hills of the Castelli Romani, south of Rome, the town of Lariano celebrates one of Italy’s most prized wild ingredients: the porcini mushroom. The Sagra del Fungo Porcino has become a staple autumn event in Lazio, attracting mushroom lovers, foodies, and families eager to welcome the fall season with open arms, and open plates.

For several days in September, Lariano transforms into a gastronomic hub where the earthy aroma of porcini fills the air. These meaty, flavorful mushrooms take center stage in a variety of dishes: grilled and drizzled with olive oil, nestled into creamy risottos, folded into handmade pastas, or served simply on toasted bruschetta. Each preparation showcases the porcino’s rich, umami-packed flavor and the versatility that makes it a favorite of Italian kitchens.

The festival is about more than just food: it’s a celebration of the woodland heritage of the area. Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations, tastings, and contests for the best mushroom dishes, as well as music, games, and artisan markets. It's a family-friendly event with a countryside charm, where you can savor the flavors of the season while enjoying the warm hospitality of a town that takes great pride in its culinary traditions.
Write to our team and we’ll make sure it’s included in your tailored travel plan!

When: September

In the heart of Umbria’s green valleys, the medieval town of Cannara throws one of Italy’s most flavorful festivals: the Festa della Cipolla. This sagra is dedicated to Cannara’s sweet red onion, a local delicacy known for its delicate flavor and versatility in both traditional and creative dishes.

For over 40 years, this September celebration has brought together chefs, farmers, and food lovers for a tribute to the humble onion. During the festival, Cannara is transformed into a living kitchen: every piazza and alleyway becomes an open-air restaurant offering rich onion soups, crispy onion rings, onion risottos, and even onion pizzas and desserts. These dishes are often paired with local Umbrian wines, making the meals feel both rustic and refined.

Candlelit dinners under the stars and warm community spirit create a magical setting that draws thousands of visitors. It’s more than just a food fair, it’s an immersive experience into Umbrian culture, where an everyday ingredient is elevated into something truly extraordinary. Don’t ever underestimate Umbria, it’s going to be one of the most beautiful Italian Regions you’ll ever visit - here’s our recommended Umbrian itinerary for foodies!

When: Early October

In the foothills of Mount Etna, the town of Bronte comes alive each October for the Sagra del Pistacchio Verde, a dazzling tribute to Sicily’s prized green pistachio. Known as the “green gold of Bronte,” this unique nut is protected by DOP status and prized for its vibrant color, intense flavor, and buttery texture. For two weekends, the streets of Bronte transform into a pistachio paradise.

The festival offers an incredible range of pistachio-infused specialties: cannoli and cakes filled with pistachio cream, pistachio pesto served over pasta, savory meats crusted with pistachio, and the ever-popular pistachio gelato. Local chefs and bakers bring out their best creations, and visitors can watch cooking demos or buy artisanal products directly from farmers and producers.

Against the dramatic volcanic landscape of Etna, the sagra is both a feast and a celebration of Sicilian resilience and creativity. Traditional music, folk dances, and a lively market atmosphere complete the experience. It’s a deep dive into the agricultural and culinary soul of Sicily, one green nut at a time. Definitely check out our customizable Sicilian Itineraries for that - especially this one!

When: Every Sunday in October

In the heart of the Mugello valley, nestled within the forested slopes of the Apennines, the medieval village of Marradi hosts one of Tuscany’s most beloved autumn traditions: the Sagra della Castagna. This chestnut festival is a sensory celebration of the humble yet historically vital chestnut, once called "the bread of the poor" for its nutritional value and versatility.

Every Sunday in October, Marradi’s cobbled streets fill with the warm, sweet scent of caldarroste (roasted chestnuts) as locals and visitors gather to honor this seasonal staple. The chestnuts here, harvested from centuries-old trees, are prized for their flavor and used in a range of artisanal delights: from chestnut flour used in rustic breads and castagnaccio (a traditional cake), to jams, honey, pasta, and even locally brewed chestnut beer.

Adding to the enchantment, many visitors arrive via vintage steam trains that chug through the autumn-colored hills, offering a nostalgic journey into the heart of Tuscany’s woodland culture. The sagra also features folk music, chestnut-themed crafts, and guided walks through the chestnut groves, making it an immersive experience of seasonal beauty, tradition, and Tuscan warmth. We recommend a stop to this sagra, especially if you’re planning a leisure trip to Tuscany!

When: October to November

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Langhe region: a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rolling vineyards and medieval villages. Alba hosts the most prestigious truffle fair in the country, and arguably the world. The Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba is a magnet for gourmet lovers, chefs, and curious travelers who flock here to experience the rare and aromatic white truffle, a delicacy that can fetch thousands of euros per kilo.

The fair spans several weekends, with events that go far beyond the marketplace. Visitors can attend expert-led truffle tastings, wine and truffle pairings featuring Barolo and Barbaresco, and cooking demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs - we especially recommend our “Italian Langhe Wine Tour: Barolo, Barbaresco & Luxury Experiences” tour that will let you capture the spirit of this region’s local foods. For an unforgettable experience, you can even join a traditional truffle hunt – one of our most requested activities in the region.

Adding a touch of whimsy, the fair also features the Palio degli Asini: a donkey race that parodies more serious horse races and celebrates local pride with humor and flair. This blend of high gastronomy and heartfelt tradition makes Alba’s truffle fair a must-visit event and a true expression of Piedmontese hospitality.

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