Cergnago Risotto Festival
The risotto of Lomellina and the craziest race, in a pedal-powered version
About Risotto Festival
Risotto, the Soul of Lomellina
The Cergnago Risotto Festival is one of the most heartfelt gastronomic events in Lomellina, in the Province of Pavia. In this land of rice paddies, rice is culture and identity, and every September, the Pro Loco of Cergnago dedicates several days of celebration to it, attracting visitors from all over the area.
Dining Amidst Music and Conviviality
The heart of the festival is the grand kitchen: risotto takes center stage, accompanied by polenta, gorgonzola, salami, and grilled meat. The evenings come alive with karaoke, dancing, and cover bands, in a convivial atmosphere that is the true hallmark of the event.
The Pedal-Powered Risotto Grand Prix
The most original attraction is the Grand Prix of Risotto, a fun race of colorful pedal-powered cars built by local teams. Between the qualifiers, team presentations, and the race itself, it's a spectacle that entertains both young and old, concluding with the free distribution of risotto.
A Village Celebration
Organized by the Pro Loco, the Risotto Festival is the time when Cergnago comes together around its rice-growing tradition. For visitors to this corner of Lombardy, it's an opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Lomellina and the hospitality of a community that takes pride in its rice.
Risotto Festival — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, Cergnago renews its festival dedicated to risotto. The grand kitchen will return with risotto, polenta, gorgonzola, salami, and grilled meat, accompanied by evenings of karaoke, dancing, and cover bands. The Grand Prix of Risotto, the pedal-powered car race in Piazza Castello, is also confirmed, with qualifiers, the race, and free risotto distribution. The detailed program will be published by the Pro Loco in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Risotto Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 43rd edition in 2026 will be announced by the Pro Loco of Cergnago. Based on the established structure, the festival includes:
- Several evenings with the kitchen opening at 8:00 PM: risotto, polenta, gorgonzola, salami, and grilled meat
- Dancing evenings, karaoke, and cover bands
- Presentation of the teams for the pedal-powered car Grand Prix
- Qualifiers and race for the Risotto Grand Prix in Piazza Castello
- Free distribution of risotto at the end of the race
Highlights Risotto Festival 2026
Prices Risotto Festival 2026
Practical information — Risotto Festival
When
In September. The 2025 edition (42nd) was held from September 18th to 21st; the 43rd edition is expected in September 2026, with dates to be confirmed.
Where
Cergnago (PV), Lomellina; the Grand Prix of Risotto takes place in Piazza Castello.
Admission
Free admission. Dinners and tastings are paid.
How to get there
Cergnago is located in Lomellina, between Mortara and Garlasco. It can be reached by car via local roads; the nearest train stations are Mortara and Garlasco.
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Where does it take place — Risotto Festival
Piazza Castello
Piazza Castello, 27020 Cergnago