Peasant Festival of Verolavecchia
Edition 2026 Folk Gastronomy Local produce

Peasant Festival of Verolavecchia

Brescian spit roast and rural traditions at Villa Alghisi Montini

Verolavecchia — Brescia (017)
Dates 17 May — 17 May 2026
Location Verolavecchia (017)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Peasant Festival

The Peasant Festival of Verolavecchia, in the Bassa Bresciana region, brings the rural traditions of the town back to life in the evocative setting of Villa Alghisi Montini, a residence that was the summer home of Pope Paul VI. A day dedicated to the Brescian spit roast cooked in a competition by teams, an exhibition of old farming tools, traditional games, and folk music, organized by the local Pro Loco.

A festival that tells the story of the Brescian countryside

The Peasant Festival of Verolavecchia is the celebration that honours the rural roots of this municipality in the Bassa Bresciana, in the province of Brescia. Organized by the Pro Loco of Verolavecchia, it brings the community together around the traditions of the past: farm work, peasant cuisine, and folk games.

Villa Alghisi Montini, an exceptional setting

The event takes place at Villa Alghisi Montini, a historic residence in Verolavecchia linked to the Montini family and known for having been the summer residence of Pope Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Montini). The villa, with its park, offers a setting that combines historical memory and a festive atmosphere.

The spit roast, the absolute star

The heart of the festival is the Brescian spit roast competition: teams start cooking at dawn, and a jury declares the winners. The dish, a symbol of the local cuisine, is then served for lunch. Surrounding the spit roast are the exhibition of farming tools, the traditional dessert competition, old-fashioned games, and folk music, in a day designed for families and the curious.

Peasant Festival — edition 2026

The Peasant Festival of Verolavecchia returns on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Villa Alghisi Montini. A day dedicated to the Brescian spit roast cooked in a competition by teams, an exhibition of old farming tools, traditional games, and folk music, organized by the Pro Loco of Verolavecchia.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Villa Alghisi Montini hosts a new edition of the Peasant Festival of Verolavecchia. The spit roast competition starts in the early morning hours; mid-day features the exhibition of farming tools and the traditional dessert competition, followed by lunch with spit roast. In the afternoon, old-fashioned games and folk music liven up the villa's park.

Programme Peasant Festival 2026

Program along the lines of previous editions (indicative times, pending final confirmation):

  • From early morning — start of the Brescian spit roast competition among the teams.
  • Late morning — exhibition of farming tools and traditional dessert competition.
  • Noon — lunch with spit roast.
  • Afternoon — old-fashioned games and folk music in the park of Villa Alghisi Montini.

Highlights Peasant Festival 2026

The Brescian spit roast competition; the setting of Villa Alghisi Montini, summer residence of Pope Paul VI; old-fashioned games and folk music.

Prices Peasant Festival 2026

Free entry to the festival; fixed-price spit roast lunch.

Practical information — Peasant Festival

How to get there

Verolavecchia is located in the Bassa Bresciana, about 30 km south-west of Brescia, along the Oglio river. It is easily reachable by car from the provincial roads in the area.

When

One Sunday in May (May 17, 2026), with the spit roast competition starting early in the morning.

Lunch

Fixed-price spit roast lunch; free entry to the festival. Info: Pro Loco Verolavecchia ([email protected]).

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Where does it take place — Peasant Festival

Villa Alghisi Montini

Villa Alghisi Montini, 25029 Verolavecchia

Contact Peasant Festival

Peasant Festival in brief

Folk Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Family Playful Outdoor Brescia

History of Peasant Festival