Rice with Saltarei Festival – Pontepossero
The De.Co. rice with saltarei in the hamlet of Pontepossero
About Rice with Saltarei Festival
Rice with Saltarei, a Unique Specialty
The Rice with Saltarei Festival is the celebration of the hamlet of Pontepossero, in the Municipality of Sorgà (province of Verona). The signature dish is 'riso coi saltarei', prepared with 'saltarei', which are fried river prawns that give the recipe its name: a specialty of the Bassa Veronese recognized as a De.Co. (Communal Denomination) product.
Five Days of Celebration in May
The festival takes place in May over five days, with food stalls open every evening (and also for lunch on Sundays) and a packed program of music and dance evenings. There is also entertainment for children, tribute bands, and dance orchestras. The festival traditionally concludes with an amateur cycling race and a final toast.
Over Half a Century of Tradition
With over fifty years of history, the Rice with Saltarei Festival is one of the most deeply rooted village festivals in the Sorgà area, in the province of Verona. It is an eagerly awaited event not only by the residents of Pontepossero but by the entire Bassa Veronese region, where rice festivals mark the spring and summer calendar.
Rice with Saltarei Festival — edition 2026
The Rice with Saltarei Festival 2026 enlivens the hamlet of Pontepossero di Sorgà from May 15 to 19. Five days of celebration with food stalls dedicated to 'riso coi saltarei' De.Co., music and dance evenings, entertainment for the little ones, and the traditional amateur cycling race that concludes the event.
Programme Rice with Saltarei Festival 2026
Friday, May 15, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Food stalls open
- 9:30 PM — Italian music evening
Saturday, May 16, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Food stalls open
- 9:30 PM — Ligabue tribute band
Sunday, May 17, 2026
- 12:00 PM — Food stalls open for lunch
- 1:00 PM — Children's entertainment with "Mammatta"
- From 9:00 PM — Food stalls and music with Ramon Ramonito
Monday, May 18, 2026
- 9:00 PM — Food stalls and dance evening with the Orchestra Morselli
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Amateur cycling race
- Evening — Closing evening with the Orchestra Bellutti and final toast at 11:30 PM
Highlights Rice with Saltarei Festival 2026
The De.Co. 'riso coi saltarei', dance evenings with an orchestra, and the amateur cycling race on Tuesday.
Prices Rice with Saltarei Festival 2026
Practical information — Rice with Saltarei Festival
How to Get There
Pontepossero is a hamlet of the Municipality of Sorgà, in the Bassa Veronese area, about 30 km south of Verona. It can be reached by car via the state road to Mantua and the A22 Brenner motorway (Nogarole Rocca exit).
Food Stalls
The stalls are open every evening of the festival and also for lunch on Sundays. Free entry to the festival area; food and drinks are paid.
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Where does it take place — Rice with Saltarei Festival
Pontepossero di Sorgà