Gnocco Fritto Festival
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Food truck

Gnocco Fritto Festival

Emilian street food in the gardens of Verghera

Samarate — Varese (012) Since 2024
Dates 23 May — 23 May 2026
Location Samarate (012)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Gnocco Fritto Festival

A festival bringing one of the symbols of Emilian cuisine to Lombardy: gnocco fritto. In the hamlet of Verghera, Samarate, the Associazione Amici del Buon Umore organises an evening dedicated to this delicious specialty, to be enjoyed with cured meats and good company. An informal and convivial event at the Giardinetti di Verghera, in the province of Varese.

Gnocco Fritto lands in the Varese area

The Gnocco Fritto Festival is a gastronomic celebration held in the hamlet of Verghera, in Samarate, in the province of Varese. The star is gnocco fritto, one of the most beloved preparations in Emilian tradition: fried leavened dough, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, to be enjoyed hot with cured meats and cheeses.

An evening of taste and conviviality

The event takes place at the Giardinetto di Verghera, along Via Indipendenza, opening in the evening. The atmosphere is typical of village festivals: communal tables, chatter, and street food to share, in a friendly and relaxed setting. The event is organised by the Associazione Amici del Buon Umore (Friends of Good Humour Association), whose name well reflects the spirit of the festival.

A young local tradition

Although it is only a few years old, the festival has become an anticipated event in Samarate's spring calendar, successfully combining a passion for good food with the desire to socialise outdoors. A simple opportunity to taste a classic of Padan cuisine without leaving the Alto Milanese area.

Why it's worth the evening

For lovers of authentic street food and village festivals, the Gnocco Fritto Festival is a perfect evening: short distance, fair prices, and a dish that always pleases everyone.

Gnocco Fritto Festival — edition 2026

The 3rd edition of the Gnocco Fritto Festival takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Giardinetto di Verghera, Samarate, from 6:00 PM. Organised by the Associazione Amici del Buon Umore, it features Emilian gnocco fritto to be enjoyed with cured meats in a convivial street food evening.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the 3rd edition of the Gnocco Fritto Festival returns to the Giardinetti di Verghera, in Samarate.

From 6:00 PM, the Associazione Amici del Buon Umore offers the delicious Emilian specialty in an outdoor celebration evening.

Programme Gnocco Fritto Festival 2026

Saturday, May 23 — Giardinetto di Verghera

  • From 6:00 PM — opening of the food stands
  • Emilian Gnocco fritto served hot, to be enjoyed with cured meats and cheeses
  • Convivial village festival atmosphere

The event is organised by the Associazione Amici del Buon Umore. Any further details will be communicated on the event's Facebook page.

Highlights Gnocco Fritto Festival 2026

Emilian gnocco fritto served hot; the informal setting of the Giardinetti di Verghera; the organisation by Amici del Buon Umore.

Prices Gnocco Fritto Festival 2026

Free entry; pay for what you consume at the stands.

Practical information — Gnocco Fritto Festival

How to get there

Samarate is in the province of Varese, near Gallarate and Malpensa Airport, reachable via the SS336 and the A8 motorway. The hamlet of Verghera is within the municipality; the Giardinetti are located along Via Indipendenza.

Admission

Free entry, opening from 6:00 PM. You pay for what you consume at the stands.

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Where does it take place — Gnocco Fritto Festival

Giardinetto di Verghera

Giardinetto di Verghera, via Indipendenza, 21017 Samarate

Gnocco Fritto Festival in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Food truck Folk traditions Playful Outdoor Varese

History of Gnocco Fritto Festival