There is some debate that the boom in gastronomic tourism in Italy is having a negative effect on the quality of the food shows and exhibitions across the country.
In short, there seems to be too many. Speculation they may call it.
Every comune, village and lost corner of Italy is riding the wave of culinary interest and creating or reviving their own local sagra.
It seems there is not a vegetable, fruit or edible substance that does not have its own dedicated event. From onions, artichokes and eels to salami, steaks and nutella.
The tipping point seems to be the Sagra della Patate Fritte (Chips, French Fries) .
What is traditional and representative about a deep fried potato!
But is this really the worry?
It seems the more established festival organisers are starting to feel the crowd and want to keep their heads above water, to mix our metaphors.
They are supported by others who believe too many sagre are not regulated enough and skew the local tourism cycle into peaks and troughs.
And let’s not mention the Chinese traders and others who dilute the authenticity of such events with the shoddy merchandise and makeshift stalls.
Have you ever been to the carciofi festival in Ladispoli!
With all this in mind, the last week of September in Montecatini Terme, province of Pistoia, Tuscany, will see ‘Territori in Festival’ which will discuss the matter.
Coincidentally, of course, ‘Territori in Festival’ will also be the stage for a taste selection of top quality sagre from across Italy.
They are:
- Sagra del peperoncino di Diamante
- Sagra della Focaccia di Recco di Genova
- Sagra del Gorgonzola e della cipolla di Cannara
- Sagra della Fettunta e il Brigidino di Lamporecchio
- Sagra del Lardo di Arnad
- Sagra del Tartufo di Acqualagna
- Sagra della porchetta di Ariccia
And not forgetting, la Sagra dei ceci e dello zafferano from Navelli in provincia dell’Aquila.
The questions we would like answered are the following:
How many important sagre across Italy utilise products from abroad to make up for a shortfall in local produce?
Should the events be cancelled after a bad harvest?
Can a genuine sagre go national?
