Summer in Italy means “sagra” time which is basically town parties that may, or may not, have religious connotations. Whoever you ask though, will tell you that the important thing is to eat well and have fun. So here is a mini-calendar for your Italian summer travels.

At the sports hall in Ferrara from August 8 to 24 a salami tradition is being renewed with the Sagra del salame alla brace, or grilled salami events.

From August 9 to 17 at Bagnore in Santa Fiora in the Grosseto region, the sagra dell’acqua cotta takes place, along with dishes such as tortellini polenta and boiled wild pig.

In Fisa, in Chieti province, from August 7 to 17, there is the la sagra del prosciutto melone e bruschetta, or rockmelon and parma ham, and where every evening features a spaghetti cook-up at midnight.

In the Naples province, at Monte di Porcida, from August 7 to 10, the sagra del marea flegrea is held, with fried fish and clams as the main dishes. Nearby at Pietradifusi on August 8 and 9 there is the sagra del fusillo where you can also try the local wine Aglianico.

In Donnalucata in the Ragusa province, from August 8 to 10, there is the sagra del pesce azzurro if you like fish, and where there is also music and fireworks.

The funniest one is perhaps the sagra del panino della nonna, or grandma’s roll, at Giovinazzo in the Bari province. The only problem here is you’re spoilt for choice, with the menu, rigourously appearing only in dialect, offering rolls with dried tomatoes, tuna and tomatoes and other concoctions if you can figure it out.

So for summer festivals in Italy, you’re hardly left with nothing to do. I recommend the experience at least once, as there’s nothing like a good village party to show you what local life is all about.

Photo di Flickr.

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