Loertis Festival

Loertis, a Taste of Spring

The Loertis Festival in Castel Mella, a municipality in the Province of Brescia, is dedicated to a humble and precious ingredient: loertis, the wild sprout of common hop (Humulus lupulus). Versatile and deeply linked to local peasant culture, it is a taste of spring that for generations has ended up in pots in the homes of the area. The festival makes it the protagonist, enhancing a wild herb that tells the story of the bond between the village and its countryside.

The Food Stand

The heart of the festival is the large food stand managed by local associations, which enlivens Piazza Unità d'Italia and the streets of the historic centre. Here, loertis becomes the star ingredient of typical dishes such as risottos and omelettes, accompanied by tastings of wines from the Consorzio Vini del Monte Netto, the small DOC that originates on the hills around Castel Mella.

Rural Traditions in the Square

The Loertis Festival is not just about food: it is also a dive into rural traditions. Among the most anticipated events are the parade of vintage tractors, the greasy pole competition, and the ancient ploughing competition, which bring back the gestures and tools of peasant work of the past to the square. A program that combines taste, folklore, and local memory.

A Recognised Festival

The event enjoys the patronage of the Lombardy Region and the Province of Brescia and is the result of collaboration between the municipal administration and local associations. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its twentieth edition, a milestone that confirms the deep roots of this event in the Brescian spring calendar.