Saint John's Festival of Porpetto

Saint John, the town's 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 Saint John, which is now a classic of the Friulian summer. For two weekends in June, the town fills with music, dancing, and aromas, in an event that brings together multiple generations around the community's traditions.

The great orchestras of liscio

The heart of the festival is the musical and dancing evenings, enlivened by the great orchestras of liscio and Italian dance music – such as Roger e la voce del Sole, Stefania Marchesi and the Mamma Mia Band, Fabio Corazza, and other ensembles beloved 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 with the best local wines. Not to be missed is the very rich gastronomic lottery, the true hallmark of the festival, along with the Vespa gathering, the 'Bicicletade in compagnie', art exhibitions, and entertainment for children.

The work of a community

Behind the Saint John's Festival is the commitment of the Porpetto'98 Festival Committee, 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 town tells its story and comes together.