In early September, the corn harvest was completed, as always in the fields of the Arborea Producers' Cooperative. The corn was then sent to be ground at a mill in Vicenza. The flour, once ready, will be used to make polenta. The countdown is on in Arborea for the traditional festival dedicated to the town's signature dish. Piazza Maria Ausiliatrice will be transformed into an open-air restaurant on Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th. The event, recognized as a "Quality Festival" by the UNPLI (Italian National Pro Loco Association) since 2024 and organized by the Pro Loco (Italian Tourist Board), attracts thousands of visitors each year. The festival will produce approximately 100 quintals of polenta. Some will be used for the festival, while the rest will be sold under the Pro Loco label. It will be an opportunity to once again remember the farmers' staple food. "The polenta festival is an event that unites tradition, community, and local promotion," comments Pro Loco President Paolo Sanneris. "This year, too, we're offering a program that involves families, schools, national delegations, and local operators." The program: A preview of the festival will be dedicated to young students. Next Wednesday, a day dedicated to preschool and elementary school children will be held.
In collaboration with Coldiretti, children will participate in workshops and educational activities about agricultural products and the importance of a healthy diet. The official opening of the festival is scheduled for Saturday the 17th at 10:30 a.m. During the day, thanks to a collaboration with Nieddittas, it will be possible to visit the Corru Mannu nature trail. The festival will kick off at 8:00 p.m. with the distribution of polenta. It will be topped with meats, cheeses, and mussels. Fried polenta will also be available. Music will then play until late. On Sunday, at 10:00 a.m., the Campagna Amica markets, featuring crafts and traditional sweets, will open. At 12:00 p.m., polenta for all will be served, with the participation of delegations from Italy's polenta makers. From 1:00 p.m., artists Corrado Atzei and Marco Pinna will perform. In the afternoon, there will be children's shows, and at 4:30 p.m., the Bertas band will take the stage. The day will end with the 7pm mass. From 7:45pm, entertainment with DJ Sandro Azzena.
