Sagre da la Bisate – Sagra dell'Anguilla

The eel festival on the Stella River bend

In Ariis, a small hamlet in the municipality of Rivignano Teor, in the province of Udine, one of the most beloved festivals in the Bassa Friulana is renewed every July: the Sagre da la Bisate, the eel festival. In Friulian, "bisate" means eel, and it gives its name to the symbolic fish of the Stella River, which flows right next to the festival area, in a green bend where the festival has been rooted for over half a century.

Now in its 53rd edition in 2025, the festival originated as a celebration in honour of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint celebrated on July 25th, and has since grown to become a major event for the entire Stella area and beyond.

The eel from the Stella River takes centre stage on the table

The gastronomic heart of the festival is naturally the eel from the Stella River, prepared according to local tradition and served at the stalls along with grilled dishes and other typical Friulian specialties. It is an opportunity to taste a freshwater product that tells the ancient bond of this land with its rivers and canals.

Music, market, and fireworks

The programme is spread over two weekends and alternates between dance orchestras for fans of liscio music and DJ sets for younger audiences. There are also charity raffles, chainsaw carving exhibitions, the artisan market on Sundays, and the grand fireworks display that concludes the festival.

Nature and culture around the festival

The festival is also an opportunity to discover a precious corner of Friuli: a short walk away are the grounds of the historic Villa Ottelio and the Regional Aquarium of the Fish Protection Consortium, where you can admire the species of the Stella River. Organized by Pro Loco Cuore dello Stella with the support of the Municipality of Rivignano Teor and local associations, it is a festival that combines good food, tradition, and love for one's river.