Italy in November: Discover the best sagre and local festivals

Planning a trip to Italy in November? You’re in for a treat. While summer may be the peak tourist season, November in Italy offers something truly special: a month filled with sagre, local food festivals, and cultural celebrations that showcase the heart of Italian tradition.

What is a sagra in Italy?

A sagra is a traditional Italian festival, usually held in small towns and villages, that celebrates a specific local food product, seasonal ingredient, or regional tradition. These events are deeply rooted in Italy’s agricultural calendar and community spirit.

At a sagra, you’ll find:

• Open-air food stalls serving local specialties

• Communal tables where locals and visitors dine together

• Live music, dancing, and folk performances

• Artisan markets with handmade goods and regional crafts
  

Whether it’s chestnuts roasting over open fires or fresh truffle shavings on handmade pasta, sagre are a feast for the senses, and a window into Italy’s soul.

What happens in Italy in November?

November is one of the best months to experience authentic Italian culture. It’s the season of:

• Chestnuts (castagne) – roasted, boiled, or baked into desserts

• White truffles (tartufo bianco) – rare and aromatic, celebrated in gourmet festivals

• Olive oil – freshly pressed and drizzled on bruschetta

• Polenta and mushrooms – hearty mountain dishes perfect for cooler weather

• Wine – local seasonal wines to enjoy with savoury and sweet food

These products are some of the most celebrated in regional sagre across the country during autumn, each offering a unique taste of local life.

Top sagre and food festivals in Italy

Here are some of the most important sagre in Italy during November, perfect for travellers seeking authentic experiences:

• Northern Italy: truffles, garlic sauce, and mustard magic

Alba white truffle fair – Piedmont
One of Italy’s most prestigious culinary events, the International Alba White Truffle Fair has reached its 92nd edition. Running through early December, this festival celebrates the prized tartufo bianco with tastings, markets, and gourmet experiences that attract food lovers from around the world.

Bagna Cauda day – Asti, Piedmont
Asti hosts the 10th edition of Bagna Cauda day, a tribute to the region’s iconic garlic and anchovy sauce. Held over two weekends (November 25–27 and December 2–4), it’s a must for anyone curious about bold, rustic flavors and communal dining.

Festival della mostarda – Cremona, Lombardy
Until November 30, the Mostarda Festival showcases this sweet-and-spicy condiment made from candied fruit and mustard essence. Organised by the Chamber of Commerce, it’s a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known but beloved northern specialty.

November porc – Emilia-Romagna
This itinerant food festival celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna, especially its world-famous cured meats. Taking place in towns like Roccabianca, Polesine, Zibello, and Sissa until November 27, it’s a flavourful journey through salumi, local wines, and traditional recipes.

• Central Italy: tortelli, porcini, and Novello wine

Festa del tortello, bistecca e porcino – Vicchio del Mugello, Tuscany
In the heart of Tuscany, the lakeside town of Vicchio hosts a festival dedicated to tortelli pasta, steak, and porcini mushrooms during the first three weekends of November. Visitors can enjoy fried porcini, ficattole (fried dough), and the famous Marroni del Mugello chestnuts, served with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and castagnaccio (chestnut cake). And of course, being Tuscany, expect generous servings of Florentine steak and grilled meats.

Festa dell’olio e del vino Novello – Mentana, Lazio
In the town of Mentana near Rome, this festival celebrates new olive oil and young wine over two weekends (November 11–13 and 18–20). Guided tastings and local tours offer a deeper appreciation of these seasonal staples.

• Southern Italy & islands: chestnuts, mushrooms, and saffron trails

Sagra della castagna – Sant’Agata di Esaro, Calabria
Held during the second weekend of November, this chestnut festival in the province of Cosenza offers three days of music, food, and local pride. It’s a warm, welcoming event that honours one of autumn’s most beloved ingredients.

Strade dello zafferano di Sardegna DOP – Sardinia
Until November 20, the Saffron Roads of Sardinia tour takes visitors through the towns of San Gavino Monreale, Turri, and Villanovafranca. This immersive experience celebrates Sardinia’s prized saffron, known as “red gold,” with tastings, workshops, and cultural events.

Why visit Italy in November?

If you’re wondering whether November is a good time to visit Italy, here’s why:

• ✅ Fewer tourists and more locals

• ✅ Lower travel costs and cozy accommodations

• ✅ Authentic cultural immersion

• ✅ Seasonal beauty, golden vineyards, misty hills, and warm fireside meals
  

Unlike crowded summer destinations, November invites you to slow down and connect with Italy’s traditions, flavours, and people.

Experience the real Italy

Sagre are expressions of regional pride, community spirit, and culinary heritage. They offer a chance to experience Italy as Italians do: gathered around tables, sharing stories, and celebrating the land.

So if you’re planning a trip, skip the tourist traps and head to a sagra. Whether you’re learning Italian, exploring local cuisine, or simply seeking something real, November in Italy is a journey worth taking!

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Read my previous article about Italy Unity celebration >>>

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