Festeggiamenti Settembrini di Fagagna

A festival that has lasted for over a century

In Fagagna, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy in the province of Udine, September has a special meaning. It is the month of the Festeggiamenti Settembrini, the popular festival which, with over 135 editions behind it, represents one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the hilly Friuli region. A simple and authentic event, made up of music, dancing, gastronomy, and two appointments that have now become legendary.

The Donkey Race

The symbol of the Settembrini is undoubtedly the Corsa degli Asini (Donkey Race), which takes place on the first Sunday of the festival: a fun and beloved race, which draws thousands of spectators to the square and has grown alongside the festival itself. Around it revolve moments like the "Stafète dai mùs", the relay race that opens the festivities, and a whole series of initiatives that make the donkey the absolute protagonist of the event, including gastronomy.

The Palio dei Borghi

The second weekend is dedicated to the Palio dei Borghi (Races of the Villages), a evocative re-enactment that sees the districts of Fagagna compete in a spectacle of costumes, actors, music, and sets. Three hours of performance that transform the historic center into an open-air stage, telling the history and identity of the community.

The flavours of donkey

It is impossible to talk about the Settembrini without mentioning their gastronomy: donkey stew and ragù, donkey ragù gnocchi, donkey burgers, grilled meats, desserts, and sorbet are the specialties that liven up the stands. An identity cuisine that, along with the orchestras, dances, and market, completes a festival capable of uniting multiple generations. Organized by Pro Loco Fagagna, it takes place in the central Piazza Unità d'Italia.