Bornasco Frog Festival

A tradition over 150 years old

The Bornasco Frog Festival is one of the most characteristic village festivals in the province of Pavia. It takes place every year on the Sunday after Easter and dates back to 1870: an event that has spanned over a century and a half of history, maintaining its strong connection with a humble product of peasant tradition.

Frogs, from food for the poor to a delicacy

Frogs were once the food of the poor in the Milanese and Pavese countryside, caught in months with the letter "r" along the irrigation ditches and rice fields. Today, they have become a true local gastronomic treasure and the symbol of the festival. At the food stall, you can find them prepared according to Pavese cuisine:

• fried frogs;
• frogs in omelette;
• the classic risotto with frogs;
• as well as cured meats and grilled dishes.

A well-rounded village festival

The day is not just about food. Along Via Dante, Via Verdi, and in the school area, stalls, open-air exhibitions, shows, fairground rides, and the sale of sweets and handicrafts by local associations come to life. Among the most anticipated moments are the fun Frog Palio and the afternoon flag-throwers' parade, which brings color and folklore to the town streets.

Community and conviviality

The festival is organized by the Bornasco Parents' Association along with various local entities, in a festive atmosphere that involves the entire town. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an iconic dish of rural Lombardy and to experience the authentic atmosphere of a community celebration in the heart of the province of Pavia.