Sagra del Basilico e del Du Cen

The scent of the Ligurian summer

In Vallecrosia, a small municipality in the province of Imperia overlooking the sea in western Liguria, summer has the unmistakable scent of basil. The Sagra del Basilico e del Du Cen celebrates the aromatic herb that is a symbol of Liguria and the dishes that make it their main ingredient, starting with pesto, an authentic regional gastronomic pride.

What to eat

For two evenings, the historic center transforms into a large open-air kitchen. At the stands, you'll find specialties of the peasant and maritime tradition of the Ponente: stuffed zucchini flowers, zucchini, peppers, eggplants, and savoy cabbage, as well as basil recipes that give the festival its name. The event is accompanied by the Sagra del Ripieno, another classic of Ligurian cuisine, with its baked stuffed vegetables.

Atmosphere and music

The festival isn't just about food: a musical orchestra livens up the evenings, making young and old dance in the streets of the village. It's an opportunity to experience Vallecrosia in its most popular dimension, far from the crowded beaches, immersed in the hospitality of a town that preserves the spirit of the Ponente's summer festivals intact.

Vallecrosia and western Liguria

A few kilometers from the French border and Ventimiglia, Vallecrosia combines sea and hills: the upper part of the town preserves the medieval village, while the seaside hosts the promenade and beaches. A festival like this is the best way to get to know the territory through its flavors, in an area where the cultivation of basil and flowers has been part of the local economy and identity for generations.