Festa del Luartis

The Luartis, a spontaneous treasure of the plain

In Isola Dovarese, in the Province of Cremona, the Festa del Luartis pays homage to a humble and precious ingredient: the luartis, the wild hop sprout that grows spontaneously along the banks of the Oglio river. Harvested between March and April, it has been used for generations in peasant recipes, especially in risotto al luartis and omelettes, with a slightly bitter taste reminiscent of asparagus.

An evening in the Gonzaga piazza

The festival takes place in the charming Piazza Matteotti, the arcaded heart of the village with its Gonzaga-era layout. Here, from late afternoon until evening, the town comes alive with dinner in the piazza, stalls, and a craft market showcasing local products and trades.

Culture, nature, and tradition

The Festa del Luartis is not just about gastronomy: it's an opportunity to reflect on the bond between humans and nature, rediscovering the value of spontaneous vegetation. For this reason, the event combines cultural moments - photographic exhibitions, conferences with experts from the University of Milan - with the conviviality of dinner and folk music, organized by the Pro Loco Isola Dovarese together with the Parco Regionale dell'Oglio Sud.

A village to discover

Isola Dovarese is one of the most fascinating villages in the Cremona plain, overlooking the Oglio river. The Festa del Luartis, now in its 25th edition, is the ideal time to visit it on a warm early summer evening, amidst forgotten flavours and an authentic atmosphere.