Sagra della Polenta
The historic peasant festival of Apiro dedicated to polenta
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Sagra della Polenta
One of the longest-running sagre in the Marche region
The Sagra della Polenta in Apiro, in the heart of the province of Macerata, is one of the most characteristic and long-standing village festivals in the Marche region. Founded in the early sixties, around 1962, it has grown from edition to edition to become an unmissable event in late September, attracting visitors from all over the region. More than just a gastronomic sagra, it is an authentic tribute to peasant culture and the values of working the land, recreated every year with a festive and engaging atmosphere.
Polenta, the queen of the table
The absolute protagonist is, of course, polenta, prepared according to tradition and served with local sauces made with regional ingredients. At the food stalls set up for the occasion, visitors can enjoy the event's signature dish in a convivial atmosphere, rediscovering the authentic aromas and flavours of Marche peasant tradition. The festival is also an opportunity to taste other typical products and to experience the genuine hospitality of a small village in the Macerata hinterland.
Folklore, music, and popular games
The festival's programme combines gastronomy, entertainment, and tradition. Among the most anticipated moments are the parade and performance by the Urbanitas folk group, a historic Apiro ensemble also linked to the renowned Terranostra International Folklore Festival, which brings local folk dances and costumes back to the square. There are also live concerts and evening DJ sets, ballroom dancing, group dances, entertainment for children, as well as fun activities like human foosball and the classic briscola card game competition.
Markets and exhibitions in the village
During the festival days, the historic centre of Apiro comes alive with craft and local product markets and hosts a photographic exhibition dedicated to the history of the sagra and the community. Strolling through the village alleys, among stalls, kitchen aromas, and music, is the best way to discover this authentic corner of the Marche and the identity of a town that has proudly preserved its most beloved festival for over sixty years.
Sagra della Polenta — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sagra della Polenta in Apiro (Macerata) is expected for the weekend of late September, tentatively around September 27-28, 2026. These dates are reported by industry calendars and have not yet been officially confirmed by the organizers: for final confirmation and the complete programme, please refer to the official channels of the Pro Loco of Apiro and the Municipality.
Based on previous editions, the festival will offer food stalls with polenta seasoned with local sauces, markets and a photographic exhibition in the historic centre, evening concerts and DJ sets, ballroom dancing, entertainment for children, and the traditional events of human foosball and the briscola card game competition, as well as the parade of the Urbanitas folk group.
Programme Sagra della Polenta 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. It will be announced by the Pro Loco of Apiro in the weeks leading up to the event.
Based on recent editions, the typical structure of the sagra includes:
- Opening of food stalls with polenta and traditional sauces
- Evening live concerts and DJ sets
- Parade and performance by the Urbanitas folk group
- Ballroom dancing and group dances
- Human foosball and briscola card game competition
- Entertainment for children
- Markets and photographic exhibition in the historic centre
Highlights Sagra della Polenta 2026
- Polenta seasoned with traditional Marche peasant sauces
- Parade of the Urbanitas folk group
- Evenings with live music, DJ sets, and ballroom dancing
- Human foosball and briscola card game competition
Prices Sagra della Polenta 2026
Practical information — Sagra della Polenta
Where it takes place
The sagra is held in the historic centre of Apiro (province of Macerata, Marche), with food stalls, markets, and a photographic exhibition spread throughout the village.
How to get there
By car, Apiro is accessible from the SS76 (exit for the Cingoli/San Severino Marche area) and from the provincial roads of the Macerata hinterland. The nearest train stations are in Castelraimondo and San Severino Marche, which are then connected by local bus services.
Information and contacts
For details on dates and the programme, it is advisable to contact the Pro Loco of Apiro (tel. +39 333 1215710) or follow the official social media channels of the event and the Municipality of Apiro.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Sagra della Polenta
Centro storico di Apiro