Torna a Leonessa la Sagra della Patata: dal 9 all’11 ottobre tre giorni di gusto, tradizione e musica (The Potato Festival Returns to Leonessa)

From October 9 to 11, 2026, the charming village of Leonessa hosts the 36th edition of the Sagra della Patata, a classic autumn event in the Rieti province celebrated with the local rhyme 'Fritta, lessa, rescallata. Un piatto co’ li fiocchi, lu tartufu co’ li gnocchi' ('Fried, boiled, rescallata. A top-notch dish, truffles with gnocchi'). Organized alongside Pro Loco Leonessa, the festival showcases the renowned yellow-flesh and red-flesh potato varieties cultivated across the Apennine plains. Throughout all three days, food stands will serve lunch and dinner, with takeout also available. Standout specialties include gnocchi with truffles or rich meat sauce, crispy French fries, and the traditional 'rescallata'—a rustic peasant dish made with boiled potatoes sautéed in a pan. The historic center will come alive with over 200 exhibitors from across Italy offering regional specialties, artisan crafts, and an agricultural fair. The packed entertainment lineup features live concerts and performances, from the Majorette Città di Leonessa and the G. Forconi Brass Band to the roving folk sounds of 'Lu trainanà', evening tribute shows to Pinguini Tattici Nucleari and 883, DJ sets, cultural talks, and open-air painting contests through the picturesque alleys.