Sessame Risotto Festival

A century-old tradition

The Sessame Risotto Festival is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted gastronomic events in Piedmont. With its 104th edition celebrated in 2026, the festival traces its roots back to the early 20th century, when risotto was the celebratory dish in the farmhouses of the Asti hills. Still today, every first Sunday of May, the Municipality of Sessame renews this appointment that attracts residents from neighboring towns and visitors from across the province of Asti.

Risotto takes center stage

The heart of the festival is the famous Sessame risotto, prepared according to a traditional recipe with meat ragù and served non-stop in Piazza Cavour. It is accompanied by classic bollito misto (mixed boiled meats) and wines from the surrounding hills, a land of Moscato and Monferrato reds. The large steaming pots, cooked by volunteers, are the symbol of a festival that focuses on conviviality and the authentic flavors of the territory.

A day of taste and tradition

Alongside the tastings, the festival enlivens the village with numerous initiatives:

• Craft fair and stalls featuring local products
• Mondine Parade, a tribute to the memory of work in the rice fields
• Takeaway risotto for those who prefer to enjoy it at home
• Live music, entertainment, and games for children
• Bar, charity stall, and market in Piazza Cavour

Sessame, a village in the Monferrato

Located in the province of Asti, on the border with the Alessandria area, Sessame is a small municipality nestled among the vine-covered hills of the Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage area. As a member of the Association of Moscato Municipalities, the village maintains a strong bond with peasant culture and local produce. The Risotto Festival represents the moment when this identity becomes a celebration, uniting different generations around the table.

A community event

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Sessame together with the Municipality, with the invaluable contribution of the local Alpini Group and Civil Protection. It is the commitment of the volunteers that makes one of the most cherished festivals in the Piedmontese spring calendar possible, year after year.