National Festival of Polentone alla Carbonara and Festival of the Ugly

A centuries-old gastronomic tradition

In the historic center of Piobbico, a small village in Montefeltro nestled at the foot of Monte Nerone, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino (Marche), one of the oldest and most beloved festivals in the region is renewed each year: the National Festival of Polentone alla Carbonara. This is no ordinary festival, but an event rooted in over five centuries of history, proudly bearing the De.C.O. (Municipal Designation of Origin) and Festival of Quality certifications issued by Unpli Nazionale.

Polentone alla Carbonara

The name of the dish refers to the carbonari, the men who once worked in the woods of Monte Nerone producing charcoal and who ate polenta during their long working days. Despite its name, polentone alla carbonara has nothing to do with Roman carbonara: the polenta is cooked slowly in a copper pot over a wood fire, strictly using wood from Monte Nerone trees, then hand-pulled, sliced, and seasoned with lard, pepper, and pecorino cheese. To these traditional ingredients, sufrangolo is added, a secret aromatic herb that grows only in the woods of Monte Nerone and is not commercially available, the true distinctive touch of the Piobbico recipe.

The Festival of the Ugly

What truly makes this festival unique is its connection with the Festival of the Ugly, an event organized by the legendary Club dei Brutti (Club of the Ugly), founded in Piobbico in 1879. Originally established to help single girls find husbands, the club has become an international cultural phenomenon over the years, with thousands of members worldwide and branches abroad. Its dialect motto, "ugliness is a virtue, beauty is slavery," encapsulates the self-ironic spirit of the event, which invites people to downplay the cult of appearance and rediscover inner beauty. During the festival, the election of the World President of the Ugly takes place, with speeches, parades, and awards animating the village squares.

The atmosphere of the festival

Throughout the festival, the village of Piobbico comes alive with aromas and colors: food stalls in Piazza Sant'Antonio and along Viale Marconi serve polentone and dishes from Marche cuisine, while in the open cellars of the historic center, aperitifs, tastings, and live music take place. Among the most anticipated events are the Nativity Scene Fair, the masterclass dedicated to the secrets of the ancient polentone recipe, folklore shows, and the Damigiana Palio (Demijohn Race) through the village streets. The main day concludes with a fireworks display that illuminates the Montefeltro sky.

Piobbico and Montefeltro

Dominated by the 16th-century Brancaleoni Castle, Piobbico is an ideal destination for those seeking the tranquility of the Marche Apennines, amidst nature, hiking on Monte Nerone, and authentic traditions. The festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this little-known corner of the province of Pesaro and Urbino, far from the most beaten tourist paths.