Rovella Festival

A Fornaci tradition brought back to life

The Rovella Festival is one of the most cherished events in Fornaci di Barga, a village within the municipality of Barga, in the province of Lucca, located in the heart of the Media Valle del Serchio in Tuscany. The festival traces its roots back to a popular local event from the 1960s and early 1970s, which disappeared for many years before being revived thanks to the dedication of the local parish community.

What is the rovella?

The festival's name pays homage to the rovella, a small river fish that was traditionally cooked and served during the early editions of the festival. Today, this little fish has become the symbol of the event, representing the simple, popular cuisine of the valley and the deep bond between the community and the Serchio River.

The festival menu

Gastronomy is the absolute star of the show. The tables in the churchyard are filled with generous, authentic traditional dishes:

• Fried fish, hot and crispy, the true heart of the festival
• French fries, a classic favorite
• Seafood risotto
• The unmissable bomboloni for a sweet finish

An essential and carefully prepared culinary selection, designed for summer evenings outdoors, to be enjoyed in good company at the tables set up in front of the church.

Where it takes place

The festival is held in the churchyard of Fornaci Vecchia and the surrounding areas in the village of Fornaci di Barga. The intimate setting around the church captures the authentic atmosphere of village festivals, where conviviality is just as important as the food.

A celebration of community and solidarity

The Rovella Festival is more than just a culinary event; it is a moment of community. The initiative is enriched by drawings created by the children of the local primary school, dedicated to the theme of the rovella and other fish, which decorate the festival grounds. Most importantly, all proceeds from the event are donated to support parish works, giving the festival a meaningful charitable value.

In the heart of the Fornaci summer

The event takes place during June, a month particularly rich in activities in Fornaci di Barga, when the village celebrates its traditions and inter-district games with the "Fornaci senza frontiere" festival. Visiting the Rovella Festival is a perfect way to discover the communal and festive spirit of this corner of the Garfagnana and Media Valle del Serchio.