Festival of New Rice and Mortorio Festival

The Mortorio, a tradition from 1727

Among the many festivals in Lomellina, that of Rosasco, in the province of Pavia, has deep historical roots and a fascinating story. The Mortorio was born in 1727 as a religious vow: in that year, incessant rains had led to fears that the Sesia river would flood the town, and the community turned to the intercession of the saints. Since then, every year, an imposing catafalque - a large monument decorated with floral arrangements and funeral ornaments - is set up in the central nave of the parish church.

Originally celebrated on the Monday after the third Sunday of October, the Mortorio attracted thousands of visitors; today the event is held on the second Sunday of September, maintaining its value of collective memory and devotion.

The Festival of New Rice

The Festival of New Rice takes place around the Mortorio, dedicated to the absolute protagonist of the Lomellina land: freshly harvested rice, the white gold of this plain. The festival offers a new rice dinner and, the following day, lunch and dinner with traditional rice dishes, all accompanied by music and dancing. The event is organised by the Pro Loco of Rosasco together with the Sports Society, under the patronage of the Municipality.

Rosasco, land of rice paddies

Rosasco is located in Lomellina, in Lombardy, one of the most important rice-growing areas in Europe, where rice paddies shape the landscape and mark the rhythm of community life. The Festival of New Rice and the Mortorio is the moment when this bond between the town, its land, and its history becomes a celebration, uniting the solemnity of a centuries-old tradition with the convivial pleasure of good food.