SAGRA DELLA LUMACA (Snail Festival)

In the evocative setting of the Ligurian hinterland, the small village of Molini di Triora comes alive each year to celebrate one of the most humble yet cherished protagonists of local cuisine: the snail. The Sagra della Lumaca, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, represents an affirmation of culinary and cultural identity rooted in authentic rural tradition. Through the stone-paved alleys of the village, the festival transforms into a sensory journey where food becomes narrative and collective memory. Snails are prepared according to recipes passed down through generations, appearing in multiple variations: from rich tomato stews to fragrant garlic and parsley ragouts, from hearty and flavourful soups to aromatic dishes seasoned with herbs typical of Liguria. Each dish tells a story, each preparation preserves the knowledge of those who learned these gastronomic secrets within their families. Complementing the experience are local wines, mountain-aged cheeses, and desserts from Ligurian tradition, transforming the table into an authentic convivial experience. Beyond gastronomy, the festival engages the entire village with artisan stalls, local product stands, folk music, and traditional competitions such as the ‹Lumaca d'Oro› (Golden Snail) contest and snail races. An event where authenticity prevails over spectacle, where the local community opens its doors to visitors to share a moment of genuine Ligurian celebration, transforming a simple ingredient into the star of a timeless gastronomic celebration.