The Festa della Renga is a cherished tradition in Parona, a quaint district on the outskirts of Verona. Celebrated annually on Ash Wednesday, this festival marks the conclusion of the Carnival season and the commencement of Lent. In 2025, the event is slated for Wednesday, March 5th.
Historically, during the medieval era, Parona served as a pivotal stop for barges navigating the Adige River. On religious holidays, these vessels were prohibited from entering Verona, compelling boatmen to pause their journey in Parona. They would frequent local inns, often compensating the innkeepers – referred to as “parone” from which the district derives its name – with goods they transported, including smoked herrings from Northern Europe. This exchange gave rise to the tradition of preparing and savoring herring, known locally as “renga” during the Lenten period.
The festival’s culinary centerpiece is “polenta brustolà con la renga” This dish features grilled polenta accompanied by smoked herring, generously drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The robust flavor of the herring pairs harmoniously with the subtle sweetness of the polenta, creating a delightful gastronomic experience. In earlier times, in modest households, a herring might be suspended from the ceiling, and family members would rub their portions of polenta against it to impart a hint of its distinctive taste.
A key highlight of the festival is its grand food event. On March 5th, the food stalls will open at 10:00 AM and serve traditional dishes, including polenta and bigoli, accompanied by 15 quintals of the traditional herring prepared by the organizing committee. Unlike in past years, the 2025 edition of the festival benefits from both the municipal administration’s financial support and the patronage of the Province, reinforcing its reputation as a significant cultural event attracting visitors from across the region.
The 2025 Festa della Renga will host food and wine stalls operating until 9:00 PM, offering attendees the opportunity to indulge in traditional Veronese dishes, local Valpolicella wines, and, of course, the signature polenta and renga. The festivities will also feature a masquerade parade showcasing iconic characters from the Verona Carnival, such as “Papà del Gnoco” and “la Parona”. The parade, commencing at 3:00 PM from Via Valpolicella, will include approximately 80 Carnival groups, culminating in Piazza del Porto, where the masks will be officially presented.
The festival is made possible through the collaboration of various local associations and the dedicated efforts of around sixty volunteers. Entrance to the festival is free, inviting both locals and visitors to partake in this time-honored celebration of culture and cuisine, which serves as the perfect conclusion to the vibrant Verona Carnival season.
