Rassa Festival
The historic duck festival of Gruaro, in Eastern Veneto
About Rassa Festival
The duck festival of Eastern Veneto
In the heart of the summer drawing to a close, Gruaro — a small municipality in the province of Venice nestled in Eastern Veneto, a few kilometers from Portogruaro — transforms for ten days into the capital of the 'rassa', the duck that gives the festival its name. The Sagra della Rassa is one of the most deeply rooted events in the area: born in the early seventies, it has surpassed its fiftieth edition, a sign of popular attachment that is renewed from generation to generation.
A table with the 'rassa'
The heart of the festival is the food and wine stand housed in a large covered structure, where the 'rassa' is served according to traditional recipes, accompanied by other local specialties. A true festival village develops around the food, with kiosks, craft and flea markets, exhibitions, and the classic charity raffle.
Music, dancing, and rallies
Every evening, the Sagra della Rassa offers entertainment for all ages: ballroom orchestras, bands, DJ sets, live music, and group dancing. The schedule is enriched with side events — briscola games, tournaments, motorcycle and bicycle tours through the Eastern Veneto countryside — culminating in the grand finale with a fireworks display that closes the celebrations.
A community tradition
Organized by the local associations, the festival is the time of year when Gruaro comes together: an event that combines good Venetian cuisine, conviviality, and popular celebration, perfect for those who want to discover an authentic corner of the province of Venice.
Rassa Festival — edition 2026
After the 54th edition in 2025, the Rassa Festival in Gruaro celebrates its 55th edition in 2026. The event returns to its usual slot, between late August and early September, spread over two weekends. The festival's cornerstones are confirmed: the food and wine stand with 'rassa' and local specialties, ballroom orchestras and evening DJ sets, craft and flea markets, charity raffles, briscola games, and motorcycle and bicycle tours.
Programme Rassa Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 55th edition, including the schedule of orchestras and evening events, will be published by the organizers on the official website and Facebook page in the weeks preceding the festival. Based on the established structure, the event includes:
- Every evening — opening of the covered food and wine stand with 'rassa' and traditional specialties; kiosks, craft and flea markets, charity raffles, exhibitions.
- Each evening — entertainment with ballroom orchestras, bands, DJ sets, live music, and group dancing.
- Side events — briscola games, tournaments, motorcycle and bicycle tours in the Eastern Veneto countryside.
- Grand finale — fireworks display on the closing evening.
Program to be updated.
Highlights Rassa Festival 2026
The 'rassa' cooked according to tradition, the ballroom orchestras, and the fireworks display that concludes the ten days of festivities.
Prices Rassa Festival 2026
Practical information — Rassa Festival
How to get there
Gruaro is located in Eastern Veneto, in the province of Venice, near Portogruaro. By car: Portogruaro (A4) motorway exit. By train: Portogruaro-Caorle station, then local connection.
Admission
Free admission to the festival area; payment upon consumption at the food stands.
When to go
The festival takes place between late August and early September, spread over two weekends.
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Where does it take place — Rassa Festival
Area festeggiamenti di Gruaro
Via Roma, 30020 Gruaro