River Prawn Festival of Pioraco
Three Ferragosto evenings centered around river prawns, in the heart of Pioraco
About River Prawn Festival
The most anticipated river festival of Pioraco's Ferragosto
Every year, in the heart of summer, the village of Pioraco, in the province of Macerata (Marche), gathers around a simple and genuine tradition: the River Prawn Festival. Nestled along the picturesque gorges carved by the Potenza river, known as "the town of water and paper," Pioraco makes its connection with the clear waters of the Apennines the common thread of this popular festival, dedicated to one of the most representative products of its territory.
What to eat
The absolute star is the river prawn, a freshwater crustacean once abundant in the Apennine waterways, prepared according to local tradition recipes. Alongside the prawns, the gastronomic stands set up by S.S.D. Ruggero Mancini offer typical dishes of the mountain Marche cuisine, in a convivial and family atmosphere. The kitchen is open for both lunch and dinner on the festival days.
Music and atmosphere
The River Prawn Festival is not just about gastronomy: every evening, after dinner, the square comes alive with live music and dancing, in a festive atmosphere that attracts locals, vacationers, and visitors from neighboring towns. It's the ideal opportunity to experience Ferragosto in a genuine way, far from the crowds of coastal resorts, immersed in the tranquility of the Macerata hinterland.
A village to discover
The festival is also a good reason to visit Pioraco and its treasures: the Gorges of the Potenza River with their trails and waterfalls, the medieval historic center, and the Museum of Paper and Watermark, which recalls the town's ancient paper-making vocation. A perfect destination for those who love to combine good food, nature, and tradition in the heart of the Umbrian-Marche Apennines.
River Prawn Festival — edition 2026
The River Prawn Festival returns to Pioraco (MC) for Ferragosto 2026, from August 14th to 16th. The event, organized by S.S.D. Ruggero Mancini in the Piazza Isabella d'Este Gonzaga area, offers three days of river and mountain flavors, with gastronomic stands open for lunch and dinner, and evenings enlivened by live music and dancing.
The 2026 dates are confirmed by the Pioraco Municipality website and local event listings. Indicative evening hours are from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with free admission.
Programme River Prawn Festival 2026
Event Structure
The festival spans three Ferragosto days, from August 14th to 16th, 2026, with the same proven formula as previous editions:
- Gastronomic stands open for lunch and dinner, featuring river prawns and typical mountain Marche cuisine dishes.
- Live music and dancing in the square every evening after dinner.
The full details of the musical groups and evening events for the 2026 edition will be announced by the organization in the weeks leading up to Ferragosto. For updated information: S.S.D. Ruggero Mancini, tel. +39 347 920 4044.
Highlights River Prawn Festival 2026
- River prawns prepared according to local tradition
- Three evenings of live music and dancing in the square
- Kitchen open for lunch and dinner, with free admission
- The authentic atmosphere of Ferragosto in the Macerata hinterland
Prices River Prawn Festival 2026
Practical information — River Prawn Festival
When
From August 14th to 16th, 2026, for Ferragosto. Gastronomic stands open for lunch and dinner; music and dancing in the evening (indicative evening hours 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM).
Where
Pioraco (MC), parking area of Piazza Isabella d'Este Gonzaga, in the center of the village.
Admission
Free admission. Food is à la carte.
How to get there
Pioraco is located in the Macerata hinterland, along the SS361 "Septempedana". By car from Macerata or Camerino, follow signs for the Valle del Potenza. Car is recommended: the village is not served by direct train connections.
Contacts
S.S.D. Ruggero Mancini Pioraco - tel. +39 347 920 4044. Information also available at the Municipality of Pioraco.
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Where does it take place — River Prawn Festival
Piazza Isabella d'Este Gonzaga
Area parcheggio Piazza Isabella d'Este Gonzaga, 62025 Pioraco