The festival of handmade gnocchi at the Giardini del Pincio in San Ginesio
The Sagra de li Gnocchi is one of the most cherished summer events in San Ginesio, a village in the hinterland of Macerata, in the Marche region, known as the "balcony of the Sibillini" for the panorama that opens from its walls onto the mountains and the Marche countryside. For almost forty years, in mid-August, the festival has attracted residents, holidaymakers, and visitors from neighboring towns to the Giardini del Pincio, in the charming Rione Porta Picena.
The heart of the event is the handmade gnocchi, prepared according to recipes passed down through generations by the cooks and volunteers of the district. They are served in various versions, with sauces ranging from traditional peasant recipes to richer options, and accompanied by typical local dishes, local wines, and homemade desserts. The food stalls open in the late afternoon and continue throughout the evening, in an atmosphere of popular celebration and great conviviality.
In addition to good food, the Sagra de li Gnocchi offers a program of live shows and music every evening. Over the years, the evenings have hosted dialect comedies by local theatre groups, musical impersonation shows, and entertainment for all ages. There are also craft stalls, children's games, and moments dedicated to rediscovering the village traditions, making the festival suitable for families.
The festival is also an opportunity to discover San Ginesio, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its fourteenth-century walls, the Collegiata della Santissima Annunziata, and the alleys of the historic center. Visiting the village during the festival means combining the pleasure of food with a walk through art, history, and panoramas stretching to the Sibillini Mountains.
The Sagra de li Gnocchi 2026 will take place on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Giardini del Pincio in San Ginesio (MC), in the Rione Porta Picena, with stalls opening from 6:00 PM and free admission.
For this edition too, the stars will be the handmade gnocchi prepared according to traditional recipes, served in multiple variations with typical dishes, local wines, and homemade desserts. The two evenings will be enlivened by live music and shows, with craft stalls and games for the little ones.
The detailed program of the evenings, with shows and guests, is usually published by the organization in the weeks preceding the festival: it is advisable to consult the official channels of the Municipality of San Ginesio and the Rione Porta Picena for updates.
By car: San Ginesio can be reached from the SS78 Picena; from the north, take the Tolentino exit from the SS77 highway, then follow signs for Sarnano/Amandola. Parking is available near the historic center.
By train: the nearest stations are Tolentino and Macerata on the Civitanova Marche-Albacina line, with onward travel by bus or car.
By plane: Ancona-Falconara airport, about an hour's drive away.
Food stalls open from 6:00 PM. Free admission. It is advisable to arrive early on the Ferragosto evenings to find a seat. Accommodation is available in farmhouses and hospitality facilities in the village and the surrounding Sibillini Mountains area.
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Giardini del Pincio (Rione Porta Picena)
Giardini del Pincio, 62026 San Ginesio