Buongiorno Ceramica! - Fratte Rosa

A widespread festival in the heart of Marche terracotta

Buongiorno Ceramica! is the major national event dedicated to Italian artistic and artisanal ceramics, promoted by AiCC - Italian Association of Ceramic Cities. Every year, at the end of May, over sixty villages and towns recognized for their ceramic vocation simultaneously open their workshops, museums, and squares to the public. Among these is Fratte Rosa, a small municipality in the hinterland of the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region, considered one of the capitals of terracotta production in the northern part of the region.

Fratte Rosa, village of clay

The ceramic tradition of Fratte Rosa dates back to the Middle Ages and is linked to the local clay, called i Lubachi by the inhabitants. From this earth come the famous cooking pots, distinguished by a characteristic glaze: a deep black with typical eggplant-like reflections, achieved using manganese. During the festival, the village becomes an open-air laboratory where you can discover the secrets of centuries-old production.

The program

Throughout the weekend, the historic center of Fratte Rosa offers activities for the curious, families, and enthusiasts:

• Experiential workshops on the pottery wheel and modeling, open to all ages, to become artisans for a day at the Segno del fuoco space;
• Majolica decoration and an introduction to various terracotta working techniques;
• Guided tours of the Demoetnoanthropological Museum of Terracotta and Raw Earth and the artisan workshops of the village, including Terrecotte Gaudenzi, Terrecotte Giombi, and Terrecotte Bonifazi;
• Exhibition of terracotta from the local popular tradition, with an expert guide, set up in the evocative underground rooms of the municipal building;
• The creation of a collective ceramic village, in collaboration with the association Mosaichiamo la Città of Marotta.

A weekend of art and community

In Fratte Rosa, the event is organized by the association Arte al Borgo together with the local community and schools. More than just an exhibition, Buongiorno Ceramica! is an opportunity to experience the village, meet artisans, get your hands on clay, and take home a piece of Marche's material culture. Admission to the activities is generally free or by symbolic contribution, in line with the free and participatory spirit of the national festival.