Desperately Seeking Sagra

It is no secret to all who know me and even most that don’t, that most aspects of Italian culture to not bode well with me. I do not resonate with Italian culture in the slightest despite having lived almost half a decade here (Trust me, this fact also makes me shiver in shock). Though however, there are elements of Italian culture that I find unfathomably interesting and that I highly recommend people do experience at some point in their life.

Sagra is one such element of daily Italian life that I highly recommend to people. Firstly, because it requires drinking and secondly, it requires partying. Now, I am sure you have plenty of questions. The first of which is probably, what on earth is a Sagra? so allow me to explain it to you.

A Sagra can be roughly translated as a street party or fair, usually set up in towns and villages throughout Italy during the summer time. The concept originated as an act of communion between the religious and were celebrated in front of temples and churches. Offerings and animal sacrifices were made and the community would eat these. Usually in Italy these festivals would take place to mark spring, winter or special occasions like harvest. Nowadays many Sagra centre around local delicacies like Sagra della Rana (frog) or Sagra della Cipolla (onion). I saw a Sagra advertised in the village next to where I live which will be centred around cherries, arguably not as adventurous as frog but probably more inviting. Sagras often also feature live music from local bands or traditional music and dance like Polka, a elderly favourite or Neapolitan pop.

Most towns do still do Sagra in Italy but these days they seem to be more frequent in the summer. Due to Covid restrictions for the last few years I have not been to a Sagra in a really long time but communal street parties speak to my soul. I can’t wait to do a couple this year. If you are passing through Italy during the summer months keep an eye out for a Sagra near you. I promise you won’t regret it.