Festival of Deserto d'Este
The June feast of the Deserto hamlet, with polenta and musso
About Festival of Deserto d'Este
The festival of a small hamlet
The Festival of Deserto d'Este is the annual feast of the hamlet of Deserto, in Este, in the province of Padua. Organized by the Volunteers Group of the Parish of Santa Croce, it is the result of the fusion of two historic events: the patronal feast of Santa Croce, once held in May, and the polenta and musso festival, traditionally held in September. Today, everything is concentrated into a single, intense June event.
Polenta and musso
The signature dish is musso (donkey meat) served stewed with polenta, alongside a flavorful ragù also used for lasagna: specialties of the Venetian peasant tradition that make the festival a point of reference for lovers of typical cuisine.
A community feast
Animated by about sixty volunteers, the festival is above all a celebration of community life: dancing, card tournaments, children's games, and vintage car rallies complete a program that brings different generations together around the parish and the town.
Festival of Deserto d'Este — edition 2026
For 2026, the return of the Festival of Deserto d'Este is expected, the only annual feast of the hamlet, born from the fusion of the patronal feast of Santa Croce and the polenta and musso festival. The event, recurring year after year, confirms the gastronomic stand and the entertainment program. The exact dates will be announced by the organizers.
Programme Festival of Deserto d'Este 2026
Detailed program coming soon. Based on recent editions, the festival includes a gastronomic stand with polenta and musso and ragù for lasagna, evening dances, card tournaments (briscola), children's games, and a vintage car rally, managed by the Volunteers Group of the Parish of Santa Croce.
Highlights Festival of Deserto d'Este 2026
Prices Festival of Deserto d'Este 2026
Practical information — Festival of Deserto d'Este
How to get there
Deserto is a hamlet of Este, reachable by car; Este can be reached from the A13 motorway (Monselice exit) and by train.
Admission
Free admission; food and drinks at the gastronomic stand are paid. Evening opening.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Deserto d'Este
Frazione Deserto d'Este
Deserto d'Este, 35042 Este