Umbria, known as the “Green Heart of Italy,” is a region where culinary tradition is deeply intertwined with the local landscape. One of Italy’s completely landlocked regions, Umbria’s cuisine enjoys rich flavors hailing from the mountain plains of Castelluccio di Norcia to the wild boar that roams its many national parks and expansive farm-to-table rustic estates.
Proud of their culinary heritage in Umbria, locals celebrate their beloved dishes with numerous Umbrian food festivals that take throughout the year. Vibrant expressions of the region’s agricultural roots and the deep connection between the locals and the land planning to visit one of these food festivals in a great way to taste the territory.
With over 50 significant food-related festivals held annually ranging from local village gatherings to large-scale events that draw visitors from all over Italy and beyond, Umbria is the perfect backdrop to seek out having a best-meal-of-your-life moment. To help you discover the perfect bite on your trip to Umbria, we’re offering our local expertise as Italian Food and Wine experts by sharing our Top 10 picks for Authentic Umbrian Food Festivals.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image alt=”A food market in Umbria Italy | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”The Best Food Festivals in Umbria” url=”https://theitalianontour.com/group-travel” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||2.5%|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6.png” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Colfiorito Red Potato Exhibition and Market
The Colfiorito Red Potato Exhibition and Market, also known as the Sagra della Patata Rossa di Colfiorito, is a beloved food festival in Umbria. It celebrates the region’s unique and prized red potatoes. The festival takes place annually in Colfiorito, a small town in the Apennine Mountains. Usually, it occurs in mid-August, drawing locals and tourists alike to partake in the festivities.
The Colfiorito red potato has been a staple in the region for centuries, known for its distinct red skin and creamy texture. The festival began in the 1970s to promote and celebrate this local product, cultivated in the fertile plains around Colfiorito, an area known for its ideal growing conditions.
During the festival, Colfiorito’s streets are filled with stalls offering potato-based dishes and other local specialties. Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, where chefs and local cooks share traditional recipes and cooking techniques.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image alt=”Truffle being shaved over a bowl of Pasta | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”PHOTO SIZE TEMPLATE FOR IOT BLOGS-min” url=”https://theitalianontour.com/group-travel” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||2.5%|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PHOTO-SIZE-TEMPLATE-FOR-IOT-BLOGS-min.png” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Mushroom & Typical Products Festival
Pianello, a small village near Perugia, has a deep-rooted tradition of foraging and celebrating the rich variety of mushrooms that thrive in the surrounding woods. The Sagre del Fungo began decades ago as a community gathering to honor this tradition and has since evolved into a larger event that draws mushroom enthusiasts from all over Italy.
Pianello is located about 20 kilometers from Perugia, making it easily accessible by car. During the festival, the village comes alive with activity, and visitors can enjoy the picturesque surroundings while indulging in the local culinary offerings.
The choice to hold the festival in August is tied to the local community’s desire to celebrate the earliest mushrooms of the season and take advantage of the summer holiday season when many Italians and tourists are traveling.
The festival features numerous food stalls and pop-up restaurants where visitors can sample mushroom-based dishes. You’ll find everything from traditional pasta dishes and risotto to more inventive preparations showcasing the flavors of locally foraged mushrooms!
One of the festival’s highlights is the guided foraging tours, where experienced locals lead participants into the nearby forests to hunt for wild mushrooms.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image alt=”Pastries on a table with a rolling pin and whisk | The Italian On Tour ” title_text=”The Best Food Festivals in Umbria” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”||5px|||” custom_padding=”23px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PHOTO-SIZE-TEMPLATE-FOR-IOT-BLOGS-1-min.png” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Fojata and Attorta Festival
The Sagre della Fojata e della Attorta in Sellano is a charming and delicious celebration dedicated to two traditional Umbrian pastries that hold a lot of significance in the region’s culinary heritage. This festival takes place in the heart of Umbria, just a 1.5-hour drive from Perugia, in late August, making it a perfect end-of-summer event for locals and visitors.
Fojata is a savory pastry made with a thin, unleavened dough filled with various ingredients, such as wild herbs, spinach, and sometimes ricotta cheese. The name “fojata” comes from the local dialect, meaning “rolled,” which describes how the dough is rolled around the filling.
Attorta, on the other hand, is a sweet pastry characterized by its spiral shape, which gives it its name—”attorta” means “twisted” or “coiled” in Italian. The filling typically includes ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, honey, and spices, creating a decadent, flavorful treat enjoyed in the region for centuries.
The festival often features friendly competitions where local bakers and home cooks compete for the title of the best fojata or attorta, with winners receiving recognition and prizes. You can also try your hand at creating one of these pastries with one of the workshops available during the festival!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image alt=”Fresh pasta on a surface | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”The Best Food Festivals in Umbria” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”||6px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/juliana-malta-5RzbK5Avpz8-unsplash-scaled.jpg” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Bigoli and Monte Cucco Park Products Festival
The Sagra dei Bigoli e dei Prodotti del Parco del Monte Cucco is a vibrant celebration in the lush region surrounding Monte Cucco, located in northeastern Umbria.
The festival is centered around two key elements: bigoli, a traditional pasta known for its thick, spaghetti-like shape, and the diverse products of Monte Cucco Park, a protected area renowned for its pristine nature and rich biodiversity.
Bigoli is a type of pasta with deep roots in the rural culinary traditions of central and northern Italy. Made from whole wheat flour and water and often extruded through a traditional press, bigoli is known for its dense texture, which makes it ideal for hearty sauces.
Monte Cucco Park, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, is a natural gem and a source of high-quality local products. The park is home to many different foods, including truffles, cheeses, cured meats, honey, and more.
One truly unique activity at this festival is the opportunity to participate in truffle hunting excursions at Monte Cucco Park. This experience allows visitors to join local truffle hunters.
Many excursions also include a tasting session where the freshly found truffles are prepared and enjoyed with traditional dishes, including the festival’s star, bigoli pasta.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Porchetta Festival
Costano, a picturesque village near Perugia, hosts the Sagra della Porchetta as part of its dedication to preserving and celebrating local culinary traditions. Porchetta, a whole pig seasoned with herbs and spices and roasted to perfection, is a staple of Umbrian cuisine and is deeply rooted in the region’s food culture.
Of course, at the heart of the festival is the porchetta itself. Visitors can sample a variety of porchetta preparations, served in sandwiches, slices, or as part of a larger platter. Local chefs and vendors showcase their skills, providing different interpretations of this traditional dish, all featuring the crispy skin and tender meat that porchetta is known for.
Alongside the porchetta, the festival showcases a range of local products. Stalls offer Umbrian wines, cheeses, cured meats, and other artisanal goods, allowing visitors to taste and purchase a variety of regional specialties that complement the porchetta.
Want to learn more about the Green Heart of Italy? Read our Ultimate Guide to Umbria!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image alt=”Onions in varying sized on a table | The Italian On Tour ” title_text=”The Best Food Festivals in Umbria” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”21px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PHOTO-SIZE-TEMPLATE-FOR-IOT-BLOGS-3-min.png” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Onion Festival
Held every September in Cannara, just outside Assisi, Sagra della Cipolla offers foodies the opportunity to experience the best Umbrian cuisine and local traditions.
Cannara, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, has a long-standing tradition of onions renowned for quality and flavor. The festival honors the onion and celebrates Cannara’s agricultural heritage and community spirit, providing a platform for local farmers and chefs to present their products and culinary creations.
Visitors can enjoy traditional recipes such as onion soups, onion tarts, onion-studded pasta dishes, and even onion-infused desserts!
Visiting Italy in September? Here’s how to plan and pack for your vacation!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/8.png” alt=”A red bike propped against a fruit and vegetable stand on a cobblestone street in Umbria” title_text=”The Best Food Festivals in Umbria | The Ultimate Guide” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Black Celery Market Exhibition and Sausage Festival
The Mostra Mercato del Sedano Nero e Sagra della Salsiccia in Trevi, just 30 kilometers from Perugia, celebrates two of the region’s culinary treasures: black celery and traditional sausages.
The biggest draw to the festival is, of course, the black celery, a rare and distinctive variety of celery native to the Trevi area. Black celery is prized for its deep color and robust flavor, differentiating it from more common varieties. This variety has been cultivated in Trevi for centuries, and the festival serves as a way to honor those unique qualities.
In addition to black celery, the festival also features traditional Umbrian sausages, another staple of the local cuisine.
During the festival held annually in October, local chefs conduct cooking demonstrations showcasing how to prepare dishes using black celery and sausages.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
La Mangianunta
La Mangiaunta is a celebrated Olive Oil Festival held in Giano dell’Umbria, a charming town in the heart of Umbria. This festival is dedicated to honoring the region’s rich tradition of olive oil production. It offers visitors an immersive experience of the world of high-quality Umbrian olive oil, coinciding with the olive harvest in November.
Giano dell’Umbria is known for its ancient olive groves, some of which have been producing olives for centuries. The region’s olive oil, particularly the DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) Umbria designation, is renowned for its exceptional quality, characterized by a robust and fruity flavor with a slight bitterness and spiciness that reflects the terroir.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Olive Oil!
One of La Mangiaunta’s key attractions is the opportunity to taste freshly pressed olive oil, often referred to as “olio nuovo.” The festival also often includes guided tours of the local olive groves and traditional mills, where visitors can witness the olive oil production process firsthand.
Another unique aspect of La Mangiaunta is the “Frasca Tour.” This is a traditional practice where participants walk through the olive groves, stopping at various “frasche” (small, rustic eateries set up in the fields) to enjoy simple meals paired with freshly pressed olive oil, offering an authentic experience of rural Umbrian life.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Nero Norcia
Nero Norcia, the National Market Exhibition of Prized Black Truffle and Typical Products, is one of Italy’s most significant and celebrated food festivals. Held annually in the charming town of Norcia, Umbria, it is dedicated to the region’s most renowned delicacy: the black truffle.
Norcia is located in southeastern Umbria, within the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The town is renowned not only for its truffles but also for its beautiful medieval architecture and natural surroundings. The festival usually takes place over two weekends in late February and early March, making it one of the first major food festivals of the year in Italy.
With its truffle market, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and cultural events, the festival offers every foodie a comprehensive and immersive experience of Umbrian cuisine.
Learn more about the best food festivals in all of Italy here!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Bringoli Festival
Sagra dei Bringoli in Lugnano in Teverina is a celebration of Umbrian culinary tradition, focusing on the beloved hand-rolled pasta that has been a staple of the region’s cuisine.
This festival is dedicated to bringoli, a traditional hand-rolled, thick pasta similar to pici or umbricelli, made from flour and water.
Bringoli has deep roots in the Umbrian culinary tradition, particularly in rural areas where simple, hearty dishes were essential to daily life. The pasta’s origins are tied to the region’s agricultural history, where wheat was a staple crop, and fresh pasta was a regular feature on family tables.
Many of the festival’s activities, including the pasta-making demonstrations, are led by local residents, creating a warm, welcoming environment where visitors can interact with the people who have been making and enjoying bringoli for generations.
The festival’s setting in Lugnano in Teverina, a picturesque hilltop town with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, adds a unique charm to the event. The town’s historic streets and squares provide a beautiful backdrop for the festivities, making it a must-visit festival in Umbria.
Thinking about visiting Italy’s Green Heart with the help of a trusted local guide? If you’re a foodie, we have the perfect option for you.
Our Italy Uncorked tour includes all meals and experiences in Umbria and the Marche region exclusive to our guests, including a bespoke underground cave tour, a UNESCO heritage site that is the most well-preserved Renaissance Palace in the Marche region, and multiple wine tastings across both regions.
Join us on tour to experience the real Italy!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Planning a trip to ITALY and want to experience The Best Food
Festivals in Umbria? be sure to SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”"||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc9933″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Best-Food-Festivals-in-Umbria-1.png” alt=”Pinterest pin of The Best Food Festivals in Umbria” title_text=”The Best Food Festivals in Umbria” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||74px|||” custom_padding=”||50px||false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” title_font_size=”16px” title_font_size_tablet=”16px” title_font_size_phone=”14px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_links=”color: #333333″ use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_nav][et_pb_heading title=”EXPERIENCE THE REAL ITALY WITH THESE TRIPS” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”mostra-regular|600|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#333333″ title_font_size=”33px” custom_padding=”58px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||62px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ include_categories=”1067″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ include_categories=”1064″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ include_categories=”1065″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f9f9f9″ width=”90%” max_width=”95%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|auto|2px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px|10px|50px|10px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/best-italy-tours-for-food-and-wine-lovers-to-escape-the-crowds-the-italian-on-tour-min.png” alt=”best italy tours for food and wine lovers” title_text=”best italy tours for food and wine lovers to escape the crowds the italian on tour-min” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_signup provider=”mailerlite” mailerlite_list=”info@theitalianontour.com|42767274″ last_name_field=”off” success_action=”redirect” success_redirect_url=”https://theitalianontour.com/thank-you-page-top-10-mistakes-even-smart-travellers-make/” button_text=”Yes! I want my FREE ITALY INSIDER GUIDE!” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#333333″ button_bg_color=”#cc9933″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” border_style_all=”none” box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_signup][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”60%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]
