The countdown has begun for the 26th edition of Fiera della Polenta, one of Italy’s most comprehensive food festivals, which attracts guests from all across the region. The event, which highlights the local production of high-quality, non-genetically modified maize, will be held in Vigasio from October 17th to November 10th and will include five huge tents that can accommodate thousands of attendees and 12 kitchens preparing over 130 meals.
The event’s highlight is the celebration of polenta, a cornmeal-based staple cuisine with deep origins in Vigasio’s local agriculture. The Fiera della Polenta began as a small gathering in front of the church, organized by a few volunteers to encourage local maize production, and it has now grown into a huge festival, attracting up to 100,000 visitors.
What’s new in 2024?
Among the culinary novelties of this year’s fair are dishes such as mouflon stew, fish pie, and new polenta-based pizzas. Visitors can also enjoy traditional local favorites like polenta with sarde in saor, polenta with saltarei (fried shrimp), and handmade tortelloni from Valeggio, filled with polenta and sausage or gorgonzola. Other staples include the famous pastisada de caval (horse stew), polenta and baccalà, and bigoli with duck.
Entertainment and digital experience
The festival will be open every evening until November 10th, with full-day operations on weekends and holidays, featuring a range of entertainment, including music, theater, and other events, all of which are free to attend. This year’s fair also added a new feature: a dedicated app. The “Fiera della Polenta” app allows participants to browse the menu, select their favorite meals, and pay with their smartphone by scanning a QR code at the designated checkout places or using the on-site kiosks.
