Sure, Spring and Summer are the two most popular season with travelers that chose to spend time in Italy, but traveling during shoulder season can have some advantages too. Most fair and festivals, especially those geared towards a local crowd, take place in the months of October and November, giving visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy some real treats otherwise not available during the warmer months. So, yes, the weather might not be as gorgeous as in the summer, but it’s crisp and perfect to indulge in some of the best of what Italy has to offer, culinary and otherwise.
Fasulin de l’öc con le cudeghe (Lombardy) Pizzighettone, a lovely village in the province of Cremona, has recently brought back to life a tradition that has been part of the town’s life for centuries: a special dish to celebrate All Saints’ Day. The Sagra del Fagiolini dell’Occhio con le Cotenne is a delightful food festival that showcases simple yet satisfying local ingredients such as black eyed peas and pork belly, combined in a rich stew guaranteed to warm everyone up despite the chilly November air. Now in its 23rd edition, the festival will take place on October 31st, November 1st and November 7th and 8th in the beautiful old town center of Pizzighettone, inside the ancient defense walls of the village. For more information check out http://www.fasulin.com/
Sagra del Cinghiale (Tuscany). Since 1976, the small quaint town of Chianni, near Pisa, has been celebrating one of its territory’s most prized products: wild boar meat. Each year, for two weekends in November, ancient rural recipes are rediscovered and prepared much like they were in the past centuries and served to the large gathering of visitors that roam the medieval alleys of the downtown district. The Sagra del Cinghiale will take place from November 5th to the 8th and from the 12th to the 15th. For more details, check out http://www.sagradelcinghialechianni.it/
Fiera dei Becchi (Emilia Romagna). One of the most traditional historical fairs in Emilia Romagna, the Fiera dei Becchi, also known as the Fiera di San Martino, celebrates Saint Martin, patron saint of Santarcangelo di Romagna, by keeping an almost extinct tradition alive: jesters and storytellers gather round the main square and show off their abilities for all the visitors to see. Once a way of celebrating the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, the fair today still holds a joyous flair that attracts thousands of travelers each year: this edition will take place from November 7th to the 11th. More information can be found here: http://www.iatsantarcangelo.com
Mangialonga – Corsa di San Martino (Abruzzo). If you feel bad about too much eating and not enough exercising, the Mangialonga in Controguerra, province of Teramo, might be the right event for you. Much more than a food festival, this easy city walk combines walking and savoring food for one day of fun and exercise. The walk, only 5 kilometers long, includes five stops, where participants can taste some local specialties such as salumi, farro and sausage cooked in wine, beans and pork belly, fish fry and dessert, each accompanied by a different wine. The Mangialonga will take place on November 8th. More details here: http://www.corsadisanmartino.it/
November Pork (Emilia Romagna). Pork lovers, rejoice: for four weekend in November four towns in the province of Parma – Sissa, Polesine Parmense, Zibello and Roccabianca – pay a tribute to all things pork related: from ribs to local world famous salumi, such as culatello, prosciutto and porchetta. To discover the detailed program, dates and check out merchandise – who wouldn’t want a November Pork novelty t-shirt? – check out http://novemberporc.it/it-IT/home-page.aspx
Fiera Nazionale del Carciofo Mediterraneo (Apulia). Now at its 55th edition, this national fair is a real treat for those who love artichokes. This festival has attracted artichoke lovers since 1961 and each year it expands, becoming bigger and better, offering each time more options when it comes to both food and entertainment. Thanks to the mild Apulia climate, the festival is usually blessed by warm temperatures and sunshine, making it perfect for those who still want to hold on to the last bit of summer. The fair takes place in San Ferdinando di Puglia, near Barletta, from November 12th to the 14th.
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