Sagra del Riso Novello e Sagra del Mortorio

The Mortorio, a tradition from 1727

Among the many festivals in Lomellina, the one in Rosasco, in the province of Pavia, has deep historical roots and a fascinating story. The Mortorio was born in 1727 as a religious vow: in that year, incessant rains had led to fears that the Sesia River would flood the town, and the community turned to the intercession of the saints. Since then, every year, an imposing catafalque - a large monument decorated with floral arrangements and funeral ornaments - is set up in the central nave of the parish church.

Originally celebrated on the Monday after the third Sunday in October, the Mortorio attracted thousands of visitors; today, the commemoration is held on the second Sunday in September, preserving its value of collective memory and devotion.

The Sagra del Riso Novello

The Sagra del Riso Novello takes place around the Mortorio, dedicated to the absolute protagonist of the Lomellina land: freshly harvested rice, the white gold of this plain. The festival offers a new rice dinner and, the following day, lunch and dinner with traditional rice dishes, all accompanied by music and dancing. The event is organised by the Pro Loco of Rosasco (local tourism board) together with the Sports Association, under the patronage of the Municipality.

Rosasco, land of rice paddies

Rosasco is located in Lomellina, in Lombardy, one of the most important rice-growing areas in Europe, where rice paddies shape the landscape and mark the rhythm of community life. The Sagra del Riso Novello and del Mortorio is the moment when this bond between the town, its land, and its history becomes a celebration, uniting the solemnity of a centuries-old tradition with the convivial pleasure of good food.