Sagra di Deserto d'Este
The June festival of the hamlet of Deserto, between polenta and musso
About Sagra di Deserto d'Este
The festival of a small hamlet
The Sagra di Deserto d'Este is the annual festival of the hamlet of Deserto, in Este, in the province of Padua. Organized by the Volunteer Group of the Parish of Santa Croce, it is the result of the fusion of two historic events: the patron saint's festival of Santa Croce, once held in May, and the polenta and musso sagra, traditionally in September. Today, everything is concentrated into a single, intense June event.
Polenta and musso
The signature dish is musso (donkey meat) served stewed with polenta, alongside a flavorful ragù also used for lasagna: specialties of the Venetian peasant tradition that make the sagra a landmark for lovers of typical cuisine.
A community festival
Animated by about sixty volunteers, the sagra is above all a celebration of community life: dancing, card tournaments, children's games, and vintage car rallies complete a program that brings together different generations around the parish and the town.
Sagra di Deserto d'Este — edition 2026
For 2026, the return of the Sagra di Deserto d'Este is expected, the hamlet's only annual festival, born from the fusion of the Santa Croce patron saint's festival and the polenta and musso sagra. The event, recurring year after year, confirms the food stand and the entertainment program. The exact dates will be announced by the organizers.
Programme Sagra di Deserto d'Este 2026
Detailed program coming soon. Based on recent editions, the sagra includes a food stand with polenta and musso and ragù for lasagna, evening dances, card tournaments (briscola), children's games, and a vintage car rally, managed by the Volunteer Group of the Parish of Santa Croce.
Highlights Sagra di Deserto d'Este 2026
Prices Sagra di Deserto d'Este 2026
Practical information — Sagra di Deserto d'Este
How to get there
Deserto is a hamlet of Este, reachable by car; Este can be reached from the A13 motorway (Monselice exit) and by train.
Admission
Free admission; food and drinks at the gastronomic stand are paid. Evening opening.
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Where does it take place — Sagra di Deserto d'Este
Frazione Deserto d'Este
Deserto d'Este, 35042 Este