Saint Bartholomew's Fair — Malfatto Festival

The patronal feast of Carpenedolo

The Saint Bartholomew's Fair is the patronal feast of Carpenedolo, a municipality in the province of Brescia on the border with the southern Garda area and Mantua. Celebrated in August in honour of Saint Bartholomew, the town's patron saint, the fair has a history spanning several decades (editions have exceeded fifty) and represents one of the most anticipated events of the Carpenedolo summer. Organised by Pro Loco Carpenedolo, it combines religious tradition with popular celebrations.

The Malfatto De.Co., the symbolic dish

The gastronomic heart of the event is the Malfatto Festival, dedicated to the typical raviolo of Carpenedolo, recognised as a De.Co. (Municipal Designation) product. The Malfatto is a filled pasta with an irregular shape, hence its name, which tells the story of the region's peasant cuisine. Alongside it, the fair also promotes the De.Co. dry cake, another iconic dessert of the town. The Pro Loco's food stalls offer these typical dishes along with specialties of the Brescian tradition.

Between culture, art, and volunteering

The fair is not just about gastronomy: the programme also highlights the artistic and architectural characteristics of Carpenedolo, with cultural initiatives, visits, and moments dedicated to the town's heritage, as well as works created by local volunteers. Music, markets, and entertainment complete a schedule designed for all ages, making the fair a moment of gathering for the entire community.

A summer of tradition in the Bassa Bresciana

Patronal feast and festival of a typical product combined: the Saint Bartholomew's Fair perfectly embodies the spirit of the summer festivals of the Bassa Bresciana, where devotion to the patron saint intertwines with the promotion of local flavours and traditions. For those visiting the area in August, it is the ideal opportunity to discover Carpenedolo and its Malfatto.