Festa de 'a Conca

A village festival that tells the story of Montefano

The Festa de 'a Conca is the most anticipated event of the summer in Montefano, a small village in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. For almost twenty years, the event has enlivened the Parco Veragra, the green area between Via Ginestreto and Via Veragra, named after the ancient Picene city of Veragra, a Roman military station along the consular road connecting Nocera Umbra to Ancona. Here, every year between late May and early June, gastronomy, music, and folklore merge into a festival deeply felt by the community.

The symbol: the flying elephant

Anyone who has already been to the Festa de 'a Conca immediately recognizes its most curious symbol: a flying elephant, accompanied by the slogan in Marche dialect «Vòi vedè l'elefanti che vola? e 'u porcu che coce? e 'o pesce che frisce?» (Do you want to see the elephant fly? And the pig cooking? And the fish frying?). A playful and popular invitation that summarizes the spirit of the festival: wonder, good food, and shared joy, in an authentic atmosphere far from large commercial events.

Marche cuisine at the food stalls

The heart of the festival lies in the food stalls, where every evening you can taste traditional peasant and seafood dishes from the Marche region. Among the most popular specialties are the 'elephant penne', duck ragu tagliatelle, grilled meats, porchetta, fried lamb, and 'scottadito' lamb chops, not to mention fried fish and local wines. A simple and generous cuisine, designed for families and for those who want to rediscover the flavors of the Macerata territory.

Music, dancing, and attractions

Each evening of the Festa de 'a Conca is accompanied by dance orchestras, dancing nights, and DJ sets, with the dance floor remaining a focal point throughout the event. Alongside the music, there are traditional briscola card game competitions, group dance lessons, cycling tours like the 'Pedalata tra due Fiumi' (Cycling between two Rivers), and gatherings of vintage cars, motorcycles, and Vespas that attract enthusiasts from all over the area.

The Fiera de 'a Conca

The highlight is the historic Fiera de 'a Conca, scheduled for June 2nd: a day of stalls, crafts, local products, and vintage vehicle gatherings that transforms Montefano into a large open-air market. It's an opportunity to experience the village in a festive mood and discover the most popular side of this corner of the Marche.