Ancient Festival of Saint Gaetan

A festival with over a century of history

The Ancient Festival of Saint Gaetan is the most anticipated summer event in Ponti sul Mincio, a town in the morainic hills of Garda in the province of Mantua. Its origins date back to 1896, when the community dedicated a livestock, goods, and crafts fair to the saint. Since then, while transforming in content, the festival has maintained its connection to its roots and the traditional calendar.

Typical Mantua cuisine takes center stage

The gastronomic heart of the festival tells the story of the Mantua table: among the stalls, you can taste strangolini, pumpkin tortelli, risotto, ribs, chicken, and grilled salamelle, accompanied by wines from local wineries. Grappa and beer are also available, in a journey of flavors that is also a journey into the rural culture of this corner of Lombardy, a stone's throw from Lake Garda.

Music, stalls, and entertainment

In addition to good food, the festival offers evenings of live music, stalls and craft markets, tastings, and rides for children and adults. It is a celebration that involves the entire community, carefully organized by the Pro Loco of Ponti sul Mincio, making it a moment of social gathering and local promotion.

A "Quality Festival"

The Pro Loco's commitment has been recognized with the "Sagra di Qualità" (Quality Festival) certification by UNPLI, the National Union of Pro Loco of Italy: a mark that rewards traditional festivals capable of enhancing local economic activities and products. For those visiting the morainic hills and the lower Garda area of Mantua in August, the Ancient Festival of Saint Gaetan is an authentic opportunity to experience the tradition of Ponti sul Mincio.