Sagra dei Marroni di San Mauro di Saline

The chestnut, gold of Lessinia

Every late October, San Mauro di Saline, a tiny municipality in Lessinia in the province of Verona, transforms into the capital of the chestnut tree. The Sagra dei Marroni, now over fifty years old, celebrates the chestnut, a fruit that has for centuries marked the economy and culture of this mountain territory. The chestnut groves surrounding the village are the stars, both on the table and during the excursions that accompany the festival.

Between food stalls and the chestnut competition

The heart of the festival is Piazza degli Alpini, where stalls offer roasted and raw chestnuts along with Lessinia's traditional specialities, such as trippa alla veneta (Venetian-style tripe). Among the most anticipated events is the "Marrone San Mauro" competition, which awards the best fruits, accompanied by a conference on the role of the chestnut tree in the traditional economy of Lessinia. There is also ballo liscio (ballroom dancing) with an orchestra, a true classic of Venetian sagre (festivals).

Excursions and mountain flavours

The event also offers a guided cycling excursion through the chestnut groves, on dirt roads, an opportunity to discover the landscapes of the Veronese mountains. Admission is free, and on the main days, a shuttle service connects the car parks to the town centre. Organised by the Pro Loco of San Mauro di Saline, the sagra is a genuine popular festival, where the community preserves and passes down the culture of the chestnut.