Sagra di San Giovanni

San Giovanni, the village festival

In the Bassa Friulana, a few kilometers from Palmanova and the Marano lagoon, the municipality of Porpetto (province of Udine) dedicates a festival to its patron saint, San Giovanni, which has become a classic of the Friulian summer. For two weekends in June, the village fills with music, dancing, and aromas, in an event that brings together multiple generations around community traditions.

The great orchestras of 'liscio'

The heart of the festival is the musical and dancing evenings, enlivened by the great orchestras of 'liscio' (traditional Italian folk music) and Italian dance music – such as Roger e la voce del Sole, Stefania Marchesi and the Mamma Mia Band, Fabio Corazza, and other ensembles much loved by the public. There are also group dances, a rock marathon, and dance performances, in a square that transforms into an open-air dance floor.

Gastronomy, lottery, and traditions

The food stand offers Friulian festival specialties – grilled meats, calamari, panzerotti, and fries – accompanied by the wine bar featuring the best local wines. The very rich gastronomic lottery, a true trademark of the festival, is a must, along with the Vespa gathering, the 'Bicicletade in compagnie' (a cycling event), art exhibitions, and entertainment for children.

The work of a community

Behind the Sagra di San Giovanni is the commitment of the Comitato Festeggiamenti Porpetto'98, which mobilizes dozens of volunteers each year to create a rich and free program. It is a demonstration of how, in the small towns of Friuli, the patronal festival is much more than a party: it is the moment when a village tells its story and comes together.