The Oltrepò Pavese is a land rich in traditions and unique flavours, and among the many festivals celebrating these excellences, the Sagra della Brusadèla di Romagnese holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. On Sunday 25 August 2024, the picturesque village of Romagnese will host the 28th edition of this festival, an appointment that, year after year, is confirmed as unmissable for those who love to rediscover the authentic flavours of tradition.
The Brusadèla is a focaccia with humble origins, born almost by chance but destined to become a symbol of the local gastronomic culture. Its history dates back to ancient times, when the families of Romagnese, in order to test the temperature of the wood-burning ovens, used to put a small portion of dough inside them. The result was a round focaccia, characterised by a slight burn on the surface, hence the name ‘Brusadèla’. This simple experiment, aimed at verifying the right temperature for baking the bread, resulted in a delicacy that today is celebrated as one of the most authentic and representative products of the cuisine of the Oltrepò Pavese.
The preparation of the Brusadèla during the festival is a true collective ritual, involving the entire community. Starting at 9.30 a.m., the old wood-fired ovens scattered around the valley are lit to bake this special focaccia. There are about twenty ovens still in use, carefully guarded by the villagers and reserved for occasions like this. Baking takes place slowly, as tradition dictates, to allow the dough to develop its unique flavour and characteristic crunchiness. Each oven has its own particularities, and this contributes to making each Brusadèla slightly different from the others, unique.
During the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to taste Brusadèla in different variations. The savoury version, accompanied by typical local cold cuts, is an explosion of rustic flavours, capable of telling the story of these lands and their people. For those who prefer sweet, there will be versions of Brusadèla enriched with sugar and simple ingredients that enhance the natural goodness of the dough.
To accompany this delicacy, there can be no lack of local wines, the expression of an area renowned for the production of high quality nectars. A glass of good Oltrepò wine, paired with Brusadèla, represents the perfect union of flavours that taste of tradition and authenticity.
The Sagra della Brusadèla is not only an opportunity to enjoy excellent food, but also a moment of celebration and conviviality. The streets of Romagnese will come alive from the morning with stalls of all kinds, offering craft products, gastronomic specialities and local curiosities. This is the ideal place to discover typical local products and take home a piece of this unique experience.
The afternoon, starting at 3.30 p.m., will be dedicated to entertainment, with a programme that will please young and old alike. It will begin with a performance by the Tarditi School of Dance, which will stage choreographies capable of captivating the audience with elegance and passion. This will be followed by the comedy of Luca Bergamaschi, known for his appearances on Striscia la Notizia, who will offer moments of merriment and laughter in company.
