12/08/2026
We went to the Sagra degli Antichi Mestieri in Sersale on Wednesday night, and it was absolutely magical!
What Makes a Sagra Special?
Sagre are usually held in borghi medievali (historic medieval towns) or piccoli paesi (charming small villages). The location alone sets the scene: instead of wide, busy avenues, you’ll find narrow, winding alleys called viottoli where cars can’t go. Everything centers around a main piazza, with cobblestone paths weaving up and down through the village.
It feels straight out of a fairy tale. Walking past centuries-old stone buildings decorated with twinkling lights and vibrant market stalls instantly transports you back in time.
Good Food, Great Music, and Pure Mountain Air
The atmosphere in Sersale was alive with wonderful music and incredible live performers. And then, of course, there was the food! The stands were packed with mouthwatering local specialties:
Porchetta from the Carrozzino restaurant
Freshly baked pizza and calzoni
Crispy crocchette di patate
Golden arancini (a staple here in Calabria)
We washed it all down with award-winning craft b**r brewed nearby in Zagarise, nestled in the mountains of Sila Piccola. They even had local honey that tasted out of this world—and for good reason! Zagarise boasts some of the purest air in the world, thanks to its high altitude, dense pine forests, and virtually zero industrial pollution.
A Glimpse into the Past
Beyond the food and drink, we were completely mesmerized watching a traditional blacksmith (fabbro) at work. We even toured a historic home preserved exactly as it was 150 years ago—complete with authentic furniture, antique tools, and vintage kitchen utensils.
Why You Need to Visit One
If you want to taste the real Italy, you have to visit a sagra. They take place all over the country, especially during the summer, and almost every town has one dedicated to its proudest local product. You'll find:
La Sagra della Patata (Potato)
La Sagra della Cipolla (Onion)
La Sagra del Vino (W**e)
La Sagra della Polenta
La Sagra degli Imparettati (a delicious local hand-rolled pasta)..and so many more!
I can't recommend the experience enough. If you ever find yourself in Italy, make sure a local sagra is at the top of your list. Or better yet—just come visit us in Sersale so you know you're getting the real deal!
"Want to learn the real Italian spoken in the streets, markets, and sagre—not just in textbooks? Let’s join one of our classes. Andiamo!"
