Festival Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa dei Monti Azzurri
The autumn festival dedicated to the Pink Apple, a Slow Food Presidium of the Monti Sibillini
About Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa
The Pink Apple Festival in the heart of the Monti Azzurri
The Festival Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa is the most anticipated autumn event in Monte San Martino, a small village in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region, overlooking the Monti Sibillini and part of the Union of Municipalities of the Monti Azzurri. Founded in 2004 and organized by the Pro Loco of Monte San Martino, the event is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Pink Apple, a fruit that risked disappearing and is now back in the spotlight thanks to a long recovery project.
The Pink Apple, a Slow Food Presidium
The Pink Apple of the Monti Sibillini is a rustic and ancient variety, recognized as a Slow Food Presidium since 2008. It grows between 450 and 900 meters above sea level, is particularly resistant to fungi and insects, and is distinguished by its intense, aromatic scent and its tart, sugary flesh, perfect for cooking. The name derives from the rose scent of its flowers in spring. Almost extinct, it was saved thanks to the collaboration between local farmers, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the Consortium for the Protection of the Pink Apple.
Market Exhibition, Gastronomy, and Conferences
During the festival, the historic center of the village comes alive with the market exhibition of apples and local typical products, while the Pro Loco offers a rich menu that enhances the Pink Apple in all its variations. Among the most popular specialties are pink apple ravioli, pink apple rolls, polentone, grilled meat, and numerous apple-based desserts.
- Market exhibition of apples, chestnuts, and typical products of the Monti Azzurri
- Food stalls with themed dinners and lunches
- Technical conference on the cultivation and protection of the Pink Apple
- Pomological exhibition with the main cultivars of apple, pear, and chestnut trees
- Strolling music and entertainment in the historic center
A Village to Discover
In addition to gastronomy, the festival is the ideal opportunity to visit the village of Monte San Martino and admire its artistic heritage, starting with the famous polyptych by the brothers Carlo and Vittore Crivelli preserved in the church of San Martino. A journey into the flavors and traditions of the most authentic Marche, far from the beaten tourist paths.
Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festival Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa is scheduled in Monte San Martino from November 6 to 8, 2026, confirming the autumn event dedicated to the symbolic fruit of the Monti Azzurri. The event, now in its 21st edition, will reprise the proven formula: market exhibition of apples and typical products, food stalls with Pink Apple dishes, and moments of cultural and technical approfondimento.
Programme Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa 2026
The detailed program for the 21st edition will be announced by the Pro Loco of Monte San Martino in the weeks preceding the event, presumably in autumn 2026.
Based on previous editions, the typical structure of the event includes:
- Saturday — Afternoon opening of the market exhibition of apples and typical products; in the evening, dinner at the food stalls with pink apple ravioli, rolls, polentone, and grilled meat.
- Sunday — Technical conference dedicated to the Pink Apple; opening of typical product stalls from the morning; themed lunch from 12:30 PM; in the afternoon, strolling music and entertainment in the historic center.
- Pomological exhibition with the main cultivars of apple, pear, and chestnut trees, in collaboration with the producers of the Consortium for the Protection of the Pink Apple.
Guest names and schedule details will be communicated with the official program.
Highlights Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa 2026
Pink Apple market exhibition, Slow Food Presidium; Pro Loco food stalls with typical apple-based dishes; technical conference and pomological exhibition.
Prices Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa 2026
Practical information — Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa
How to get there
Monte San Martino is located in the hinterland of Macerata, in the Marche region. By car, it can be reached from the Civitanova Marche (A14) motorway exit, continuing inland along the SS78. The nearest train station is Macerata or Civitanova Marche, from which you can continue by car or local bus.
Where and When
The event takes place in the historic center of the village, usually on the first weekend of November. Food stalls are open for dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday. Free entry to the event area; dishes are paid for at the Pro Loco stalls.
Tips
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for the village, and a jacket for the autumn temperatures of the Marche hills. For lunches and dinners, it is advisable to arrive a little early, given the crowds.
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Where does it take place — Saperi e Sapori della Mela Rosa
Centro storico di Monte San Martino
Centro storico, 62020 Monte San Martino