Maialata in Piazza

The festival of taste at Ferragosto

Maialata in Piazza is the most anticipated summer event in Montefiore dell'Aso, a hilltop village in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region, part of the 'Borghi più belli d'Italia' (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) circuit. Every year, around Ferragosto (mid-August), the historic center comes alive for five days of celebration that attract visitors from across the region and beyond. Founded in the late nineties, the sagra has grown exponentially in attendance and reputation, thanks to the quality of the food, fair prices, and the warm welcome of the community.

Polenta is the star

The signature dish of the event is polenta, served on a typical wooden board and offered in three variations: white, red, or mixed (half white and half red). Alongside the polenta, the food stalls offer the best of Piceno peasant cuisine based on pork: grilled chops, ribs, sausages, cured meats, French fries, and mini pizzas, all accompanied by local wines, primarily Rosso Piceno.

Village celebration with markets and music

During the evenings, the village comes alive: along Borgo Giordano Bruno, craft market stalls are set up, while tables for tasting are placed in the streets and squares. The food stalls open every evening from 6:00 PM, while live music enlivens Piazza della Repubblica starting at 9:30 PM, with bands and groups ranging from Italian folklore to dance music. There is also a charity raffle, often organized by the younger generation, testifying to the strong community spirit of the festival.

A festival of solidarity

Maialata in Piazza is not just about food and fun: the event, organized by the Associazione Maialata (Maialata Association) with the support of the Municipality of Montefiore dell'Aso, has a clear charitable purpose. The proceeds collected during the five days are donated to the Croce Verde of Montefiore-Massignano-Campofilone, the volunteer association that provides ambulance services to the area.

An opportunity to discover the village

Participating in Maialata in Piazza also means discovering one of the most charming villages in the Marche. Between courses, visitors can stroll through the historic center, admire the views of the Piceno countryside, and visit the famous Polyptych by Carlo Crivelli preserved in the San Francesco Museum Complex. A perfect blend of gastronomic tradition, culture, and landscape, making the sagra an unmissable event of the Marche summer.