Polenta Festival

The Polenta Festival is a lively celebration dedicated to the beloved cornmeal dish, polenta. Held in the heart of Storo, Italy, the festival fills the air with the aroma of rich, flavorful dishes.

The historic center buzzes with excitement as both locals and visitors enjoy various versions of this traditional food, each prepared with unique twists.

From polenta with turnips to versions mixed with nuts and mortadella, the event showcases the versatility of this humble dish.

Beyond just food, the streets come alive with music, crafts, and vibrant colors, creating a festive atmosphere that embraces the community spirit and the natural beauty of autumn in the region​.

During the festival, the “battle of the trisa” sees polenta experts compete to create the best dish, judged by both an expert panel and the public.

The coveted “Golden Pot” award is given to the best polenta, highlighting the skill and dedication of the cooks. Meanwhile, local artisans and producers display their goods, and folk bands add a lively soundtrack to the event.

The festival is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of the valley’s agricultural roots and a chance to connect with the rich traditions of the area.

How to Celebrate the Polenta Festival

Celebrating the Polenta Festival can be a delightful experience for anyone with a taste for tradition and a sense of fun.

Here are some playful ways to dive into the festivities, whether you’re a seasoned polenta enthusiast or a curious newcomer.

Get Your Stir On

Take part in a polenta-making workshop and wield a “trisa,” the wooden spoon used to stir the polenta. Master the art of cooking this golden dish in a copper pot, just like the locals.

No need to worry if you’re not a kitchen wizard—this is all about fun and flavor!

Taste the Rainbow

Wander through the streets and sample all the different polenta varieties. From polenta with cheese to versions mixed with nuts or sausage, every stand offers a new twist.

Just follow your nose and your appetite. Who knew cornmeal could wear so many delicious disguises?

Join the Battle of the Trisa

Cheer on the competitors as they go ladle to ladle in the “Golden Pot” competition. The stakes are high, the spoons are huge, and the polenta is piping hot. Cast your vote for the tastiest dish and maybe snag a secret recipe or two!

Dance Off the Carbs

No festival is complete without some toe-tapping tunes. Join in the traditional dances or just groove along to the lively folk music.

You’ll need to burn off all that polenta somehow, and what better way than a bit of boogie in the streets?

Go Nuts at the Market

Browse the local market stalls brimming with handmade crafts and regional delicacies. Pick up some souvenirs, grab a bag of fresh chestnuts, or even snag a jar of homemade polenta flour to recreate the magic at home.

It’s the perfect way to take a piece of the festival with you. With so many playful ways to celebrate, the Polenta Festival is not just about the food—it’s a feast for all the senses!

History of the Polenta Festival

The Polenta Festival began in 2015 in Storo, a small town in northern Italy. The local community, including the Pro Loco Storo M2 organization and the Agri ‘90 Cooperative, created it.

They wanted to celebrate the region’s famous yellow corn flour, a staple in local cuisine. The event quickly gained popularity, attracting more visitors each year.

The idea was to promote both the local product and the traditions surrounding it. Storo’s yellow flour has been used for generations to make various types of polenta. The festival showcases different recipes and cooking techniques, turning a simple dish into a culinary celebration.

Since its inception, the festival has become a major event. It draws thousands of people eager to taste polenta in all its delicious forms.

The organizers hope to highlight the cultural and agricultural importance of this humble dish. It has now become a symbol of the region’s heritage and community spirit.

Each year, the festival offers a chance to experience local culture. People from all over come to enjoy the festivities and learn about the rich traditions of the valley. What started as a small event has grown into a lively celebration, cherished by locals and tourists alike.

The festival’s success shows how a simple dish can bring people together. It’s more than just food—it’s a way to honor the past and share it with future generations.

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!