Sagra (festival) facts for kids
In Italy, a sagra is a special local festival. These events often celebrate food and sometimes include historical shows or sports. If the sports event is a historical re-enactment, like a joust or a horse race with costumes, it is called a palio.
What is a Sagra?
Most sagre started as old country fairs or similar fun events. Today, many sagre welcome visitors and even tourists from other countries. Some, like the Quintana in Foligno, stopped for many years but have recently started again.
Sagre and Food Celebrations
A sagra is often focused on a specific local food. The name of the festival usually includes the food it celebrates. For example, you might find a Sagra della Rana (frog festival) near Arrone. There could be a Sagra della Cipolla (onion festival) in Cannara. You might also see a Sagra della Melanzana ripiena (stuffed eggplant festival) in Savona. Other examples include a Sagra della Polenta or a Sagra del Lattarino near Bracciano. A Sagra del Frico can be found in Carpacco-Dignano.
Some of the most common foods celebrated at sagre are olive oil, wine, pasta, and different kinds of pastry. You can also find festivals for chestnuts and cheese. These festivals are a great way to learn about Italian traditions and taste local foods.
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