Festa della Sapa e del Vin Brulè

A village festival dedicated to autumn flavours

The Festa della Sapa e del Vin Brulè is the most anticipated autumn event in Rosora, a small municipality of just under two thousand inhabitants perched at 380 metres above sea level on the hills of Vallesina, in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. Every year, towards the end of October, the medieval village comes alive with scents, music, and flavours linked to the grape harvest and the ancient rural traditions of the area.

Sapa, the star product of Marche tradition

The absolute protagonist is sapa, one of the most typical and ancient foods of the Marche countryside: it is grape must slowly cooked until it becomes a dense, dark syrup with an intense and enveloping flavour. In the past, it was prepared in farmhouses immediately after the grape harvest and used to sweeten rustic cakes, flavour cheeses and meats, or simply enjoyed with bread. Alongside sapa, the other great star is vin brulè (mulled wine), spiced red wine served hot, often in terracotta cups, perfect for warming up autumn evenings.

What you'll find in the square

Along the streets of the historic centre, the Pro Loco Rosora sets up food stalls where you can taste seasonal specialities:

• Sapa in all its variations, from desserts to pairings with local meats and cheeses
• Hot vin brulè (mulled wine)
• Roasted chestnuts and traditional rustic cakes
• Stuffed crescie (local flatbread) and other typical Marche products

Tradition, music, and community

The festival is not just about food: the village comes alive with folk music, entertainment, and convivial moments that make the event a true community celebration. In past editions, the Pro Loco has also screened short films dedicated to the preparation of sapa, to pass on ancient knowledge at risk of being lost to new generations.

The commitment of Pro Loco Rosora

The event is entirely managed by Pro Loco Rosora, a historic local association active for over seventy years in promoting local traditions. Thanks to the work of its volunteers, the Festa della Sapa e del Vin Brulè has grown over time to become a benchmark for lovers of authentic festivals in the inland Marche, attracting visitors from all over the Vallesina and beyond.

A village to discover

Visiting Rosora during the festival is also an opportunity to discover a charming medieval village, with its castle and typical Vallesina views, from which you can admire a hilly landscape dotted with ancient castles. Admission to the event is free.