Sagra del loertis

In Castel Mella, vor den Toren von Brescia, kündigt sich der Frühling mit einem Fest an, das einem außergewöhnlichen und oft unterschätzten Ingredienz gewidmet ist: dem loertis, dem wilden Hopfen, der spontan auf den Feldern und entlang der Gräben der lombardischen Ebene wächst. Die Sagra del loertis bietet eine seltene Gelegenheit, dieses Produkt der bäuerlichen Tradition wiederzuentdecken und zu würdigen – tief verwurzelt in der lokalen Essenskultur und den saisonalen Sammeltraditionen, die das Gebiet von Brescia prägen.

During the five days of the event (22-26 April 2026), loertis is prepared in multiple creative ways: from traditional omelettes to refined risottos, from soups to preserves, to simple recipes that highlight its delicate and slightly bitter taste. The gastronomic stands in the village transform into a taste journey that tells of seasonality and the authentic relationship between humans and nature, offering visitors the opportunity to discover genuine and forgotten flavors.

The festival features local chefs and traditional cooking enthusiasts who offer personal interpretations of this ingredient, creating a fascinating dialogue between past and present. Each stand tells a different story of loertis, turning the tasting into an educational and emotional experience.

Beyond the culinary offerings, the festival hosts a rich entertainment program: live music from local artists, educational workshops on the harvesting and preparation of loertis, photographic exhibitions on peasant traditions, and convivial moments that transform Castel Mella into a place to share traditions and common values. On Sunday, April 26, a closing celebration is planned with folk dances and culinary specialties in limited quantities.

A festival that celebrates not only an ingredient, but the entire peasant culture of the Padan Lombardy, inviting visitors to rediscover the indissoluble bond between the territory and its cuisine.