Sagra del Polentone

The Sagra del Polentone of Sant'Angelo in Pontano

In the heart of the Monti Azzurri, in the province of Macerata, the small village of Sant'Angelo in Pontano dedicates an entire autumn day to a simple and iconic dish of Marche peasant cuisine: polentone. The sagra, organized by the Pro Loco Association, is now a fixed event on the Macerata calendar and in 2026 will reach its 29th edition, confirming a tradition that has been renewed for almost thirty years.

What is polentone

Polentone is not just simple polenta served hot. It is the classic polenta that is cooled, then expertly cut and arranged on platters to be seasoned and cooked again. The result is a hearty and flavourful dish, prepared by Pro Loco volunteers according to a recipe passed down from year to year. It is enjoyed in two classic variations: seasoned with meat ragù or with white sauce. Alongside the main dish, stalls offer second courses, side dishes, and drinks, for consumption on-site or takeaway.

The Fair and bird exhibition

The Sagra del Polentone takes place concurrently with the historic Fair and bird exhibition, one of the longest-running events in the area, which has enlivened the village for over forty years. Throughout the day, along the village streets, a large market is held with an exhibition of birds, farmyard animals of all species, local products, and crafts. It is this blend of gastronomic tradition and rural fair that makes the day particularly lively and popular.

A village atmosphere

The festival is experienced entirely in the historic centre of Sant'Angelo in Pontano, among its streets and squares. In the afternoon, there are plenty of roasted chestnuts cooked in traditional braziers, while the autumn air and the aromas of peasant cuisine accompany visitors. The event attracts hundreds of people from the nearby municipalities of the Macerata hinterland every year, becoming one of the first major festivals of the autumn season in the Marche region.

Sant'Angelo in Pontano and the Monti Azzurri

Sant'Angelo in Pontano is a small municipality in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region, part of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Union. A village of medieval origin linked to the figure of Blessed Pietro da Sant'Angelo, it preserves a compact and charming historic centre, an ideal setting for a sagra that focuses on conviviality and the authentic flavours of the territory.