Sughitti Festival

A Sweet Peasant Tradition in the Village of Montecassiano

The Sughitti Festival is one of the most heartfelt food and wine events in the province of Macerata and the entire Marche region. Every year, at the beginning of October, the medieval village of Montecassiano — listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy — transforms into a large, spread-out stage dedicated to a simple, ancient dessert: 'sughitti'.

What are Sughitti?

'Sughitti' are a type of sweet polenta prepared with grape must, cornmeal, and walnuts. It is a dish from the traditional peasant cuisine, linked to the grape harvest period: in the past, farmers offered it as a gift to the local lords as a sign of a good harvest. Today, the Montecassiano 'sughitto' is recognized as a De.C.O. (Municipal Designation of Origin) product and represents a true symbol of the Municipality's identity.

Three Days of Celebration in the Historic Center

During the festival, the alleys, squares, and cloisters of the historic center come alive with taverns and cellars where you can taste 'sughitti' and typical dishes from the Marche region, accompanied by local wine. The program traditionally includes:

• the parade of allegorical floats and folklore groups;
• the evocative harvest re-enactment in the square, with the reconstruction of the vineyard;
• craft markets, painting exhibitions, and local crafts;
• show cooking dedicated to 'sughitti' and local cuisine;
• musical performances, folk dances, popular dance workshops, and evening DJ sets;
• entertainment and workshops for children.

A Mark of Quality

The Sughitti Festival has been awarded the 'Sagra di Qualità' (Quality Festival) mark by UNPLI (National Union of Pro Loco Associations of Italy) and is often included in the Grand Tour of the Marche circuit and in Tipicità initiatives. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Montecassiano with the support of the Municipality and manages to attract thousands of visitors to the village in Macerata.

Why It's Worth Attending

Amidst the autumn atmosphere, the elegance of the medieval village, and the aroma of freshly prepared 'sughitti', the festival offers an authentic experience of Marche culture. It is the ideal opportunity to discover Montecassiano, taste a dessert that tells centuries of tradition, and immerse yourself in the folklore of the province of Macerata.