Crescia on the Panaro Festival

The polenta crescia festival in the heart of Vallesina

The Crescia on the Panaro Festival is one of the most beloved summer gastronomic events in the Municipality of Castelplanio, a village in the province of Ancona overlooking the Esino valley, in the Marche region. Organized by the Pro Loco of Castelplanio since 1974, the event attracts thousands of visitors to Piazza Libertà every year to celebrate a simple and iconic dish of the local peasant tradition.

What is crescia on the panaro?

Polenta crescia originates from a gesture of humble ingenuity: the reuse of leftover polenta, kneaded with soft wheat flour and hand-cooked on the panaro, the characteristic artisanal metal griddle that gives the festival its name. The dough contains no fat, making it a surprisingly light meal. The preparation remains entirely manual and is carried out live during the festival, in front of the visitors' eyes.

Many variations for all tastes

• Savory crescia with seasonal vegetables
• Crescia with sausage or ham
• Vegetarian version with pecorino cheese
• Sweet fried crescia, also filled with Nutella

Music, shows, and tradition

In addition to the food, the festival offers live concerts and shows every evening. The 2026 program includes the Marco Proietti Orchestra, tributes to Pino Daniele and Cesare Cremonini, the Banda l'Aurora, and the Esino River Band, while the "gli SconSagrati" youth area livens up the nights in Castelplanio. There are also card tournaments (burraco and briscola), a motorcycle rally, aerial silk shows, and the evocative release of paper hot air balloons.

An environmentally conscious festival

The event is plastic-free: plates, cutlery, and cups are compostable, confirming the Pro Loco's commitment to a sustainable popular festival. Admission is free and open to all, in the true spirit of Marche hospitality.