Half a century of snails and skewers in the Valle Impero
In Villa Viani, a hamlet in the municipality of Pontedassio in the province of Imperia, the Sagra della Lumaca e degli Spiedini is a cornerstone of summer in western Liguria. The event originated in the seventies, starting simply with little space and borrowed furnishings, then growing to involve multiple squares and areas of the village.
The stars are the snails cooked according to the ancient family recipe, along with skewers and homemade fried potatoes. All ingredients are fresh and prepared on-site daily, alongside homemade pasta and desserts. The care in preparation and the quality of the food are the distinctive features that the community of Villa Viani proudly claims.
In addition to good food, the festival offers music, dancing, and the typical convivial atmosphere of village festivals. Villa Viani, a few kilometers from Imperia-Oneglia along the Valle Impero, thus becomes the beating heart of the hinterland for a few evenings, attracting visitors from the coast and nearby valleys.
For 2026, the Sagra della Lumaca e degli Spiedini is expected in Villa Viani for its 47th edition, during the usual period at the end of July. The event will again offer traditional cuisine โ snails according to the ancient recipe, skewers, homemade fried potatoes, and fresh pasta and desserts โ along with music and dancing in the village squares. The exact dates and detailed program will be published by Pro Loco Villa Viani closer to the event.
The 2026 program has not yet been published. The festival typically includes, on each evening:
By car: from Imperia-Oneglia, head up the Valle Impero along the SS28 for about 7 km until Villa Viani. By train: Imperia station, then continue towards the hinterland.
Pro Loco Villa Viani, [email protected]. Dinner with food purchased at the stands; kitchen open in the evening.
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Villa Viani, frazione di Pontedassio
Villa Viani, 18027 Pontedassio