Patron Saint FestivalJune
Tarcento (UD) – Festa di San Pietro e della Ciliegia Duracina
location_onTarcento, Pordenone e Dolomiti Friulane
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Date
June 19 – June 28, 2026
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Admission
Free
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Audience
Everyone
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The Festa di San Pietro e della Ciliegia Duracina in Tarcento is one of the oldest food festivals in Friuli Venezia Giulia, an event deeply rooted in local tradition and devotion to the city's patron saint. Celebrated on June 29, coinciding with the feast of St. Peter, this festival represents a perfect blend of religious spirituality and the celebration of local agricultural products, particularly the prized duracina cherry—a variety characteristic of the region. In times past, it was a major commercial hub for all the Torre valleys, attracting merchants and visitors from a vast surrounding territory. It was famously known as ‹the cherry festival›, since the celebration coincided perfectly with the ripening of this sweet and juicy fruit, making it a prime showcase for local producers. Today, the festival continues to maintain this traditional spirit, combining the festive atmosphere of religious celebration with the gastronomic promotion of the territory. During the ten-day festival, the streets of Tarcento come alive with stalls, stands, and culinary offerings dedicated to the duracina cherry. Visitors can discover the authentic flavours of Friuli Venezia Giulia through local specialties: fresh duracina cherries, traditional sweets, artisanal jams, duracina-based liqueurs, and Friulian recipes that highlight this prized fruit. Events include guided tastings, food and wine workshops, live music, folkloric performances, and the traditional religious procession, allowing visitors to actively participate in the life of the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Festa di San Pietro e della Ciliegia Duracina take place?expand_more
The festival runs from June 19–28, 2026. It is celebrated in conjunction with the feast day of patron saint St. Peter on June 29, observed on the following Sunday. The timing coincides with the ripening of the duracina cherry, the fruit that symbolizes the festival. Event times vary: religious celebrations typically begin in the morning, while food and wine stands and entertainment continue into the evening (usually until 11 PM).
What is the history of this festival?expand_more
It is one of the oldest country fairs in the region, with origins dating back several centuries. Historically, it was an important commercial gathering for all the valleys of the Torre River and was known as ‹the cherry festival›. The celebration originated from the perfect timing of the duracina cherry harvest with St. Peter's feast day, creating an event that united popular devotion with the promotion of local agricultural products.
Where does the festival take place and how do I get there?expand_more
The Festa di San Pietro e della Ciliegia Duracina is held in Tarcento, in the province of Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia. The main venue is located at Via Dante Alighieri, 18, in the heart of the historic town centre. By car: accessible via the SS13 (Strada Statale 13 Pontebbana). By train: Tarcento railway station is served by the Udine–Gemona line. Public parking is available near the historic centre. For more information: contact the Tarcento Tourist Office.
What does the duracina cherry represent?expand_more
The duracina cherry is a prized variety characteristic of the Tarcento region, appreciated for its firm flesh, sweet flavour, and excellent keeping qualities. It represents the connection between local agricultural tradition and the patron saint's celebration, giving rise to the festival's name and the gastronomic specialties offered during the event. The duracina cherry is protected by a long tradition of cultivation in Friuli's fields.
What are the must-try food and wine specialties?expand_more
During the festival you can taste: fresh duracina cherries, artisanal jams and preserves, traditional Friulian sweets made with cherry, liqueurs and syrups, duracina-flavoured gelato, local cuisine dishes (casunziei, frico, barley risotto), Friulian wines paired with regional specialties. Numerous stalls also offer local cheeses, cured meats, and other territorial delicacies.
What activities and events are planned during the festival?expand_more
The festival features: a religious procession in honour of St. Peter, masses and liturgical celebrations, food and wine stalls with tastings and local product sales, interactive food and wine workshops, live music concerts and performances, traditional Friulian dance and folk exhibitions, artisan markets, guided tours of the historic centre, family and children's entertainment, thematic exhibitions on local agricultural heritage.
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