On Sunday 13 October 2024, the alleys of Poggio Ferrato, a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, will come alive with colours, sounds and unmistakable scents to celebrate one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year: the traditional Autumn Festival. Every year, on the second Sunday in October, this popular festival attracts visitors from all over the province and beyond, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beating heart of local culture and savour the typical dishes that the region‘s generous land has to offer.
The main event of the Autumn Festival is undoubtedly the gastronomic festival, which winds its way through the alleys of the village, crowded with colourful stalls displaying handicrafts, traditional foods and local wines.
The highlight of the day will take place at 12 noon, when the refreshment stalls officially open their doors, and visitors can enjoy one of the most popular specialities: polenta, served steaming from large cauldrons. This ancient dish, a symbol of conviviality and tradition, will be offered in different variations, each enriched with robust and authentic flavours. It will be possible to enjoy polenta accompanied by a beef stew cooked slowly until tender and tasty, or with melted gorgonzola, a creamy cheese with a strong flavour that goes well with polenta. For those who prefer something more substantial, polenta will also be served with sausage and mushrooms, creating a combination of autumn flavours reminiscent of the area‘s farming traditions.
But the Autumn Festival is not just a celebration of taste. In the afternoon, in fact, the village will be transformed into a large open-air playground, where adults and children can rediscover the pleasure of old-fashioned games, simple but capable of providing moments of pure fun and sharing, such as ‘catch the bottle’ or ‘crack the walnut’.
During the Autumn Festival, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit a special attraction: the Poggio Ferrato Giant Bench, part of the famous ‘Big Bench’ project. This installation, marked with the number #259, is not only a work of art, but also a symbol of welcome and sharing. Sitting on one of these giant benches, with their breathtaking view of the Oltrepò hills, offers a moment of reflection and a new perspective on the surrounding landscape.
The Poggio Ferrato Autumn Festival is not just a gastronomic or recreational event, but a true celebration of a territory‘s identity. Here, traditions are still alive and well, handed down from generation to generation, and every year, in October, the community gathers to honour the arrival of autumn with the simplicity and authenticity that characterise this land.
Strolling through the narrow streets of the village, with the smell of polenta in the air, listening to the sound of laughter during games, and admiring the beauty of the surrounding hills, bathed in the warm colours of autumn, is a unique experience, capable of making anyone feel part of this close-knit community, even if only for a day.
Whether it is to taste typical dishes, rediscover ancient games or simply relax in front of a breathtaking panorama, the Poggio Ferrato Autumn Festival is an unmissable event for all those who wish to live an authentic experience, in which tradition, culture and conviviality come together in a day full of emotions.
