If I had to choose one word to represent the month of September in Italy, it would be sagre.
The word sagra comes from the Latin sacrum, meaning “sacred.” Originally, it referred to a religious celebration held in a church or in honor of a patron saint. Over time, the meaning expanded to include village festivals and food fairs that—while less religious today—still carry the spirit of shared celebration rooted in tradition and community. And nowhere are they more alive than the sagre in Friuli.
What Is a Sagra?
A sagra is a traditional Italian festival, usually held in the countryside or in a village square. It’s a simple event with a big heart: local food, outdoor tables, live music, and plenty of people enjoying time together. Sagre offer a moment of socialità—that special kind of Italian social connection.
In Tuscany, where I come from, sagre had fallen a bit fuori moda. Younger generations often considered them old-fashioned. While they’ve gained some popularity again, they’re still seen as charming weekend diversions.
But in Friuli? Sagre never went out of style.
Sagre in Friuli – A Regional Tradition
When September arrives, Friuli awakens with new energy. It’s the month of sagre—festivals that reflect the region’s identity, hospitality, and pride. With over 400 sagre taking place across towns, villages, and cities, Friuli holds the record for the most local festivals in Italy.
These events have deep roots. In the Late Middle Ages, Friulian communities organized fairs linked to the agricultural calendar and local saints’ feast days.
The oldest? La Sagra dei Osei in Sacile, held since 1274. It’s recognized as Europe’s oldest bird-themed festival, and a fascinating mix of ornithology, tradition, and folklore.
The Power of Local Volunteers
Behind every steaming bowl of pasta and every decorated food stall is the quiet, committed effort of local volunteers. In Friuli alone, more than 20,000 people give their time every year to bring these events to life.
This isn’t just civic pride—it’s shared ownership. The proceeds from sagre go back into the community. They help fund sports facilities, senior programs, cultural projects, kindergartens, and sometimes even fix a church roof or purchase a defibrillator.
More Than Just a Festival
For Friulian communities, sagre aren’t only events. They’re collective rituals that mark the rhythm of the year, and preserve both flavor and identity.
Here in Friuli, September is more than just a month. It’s the season when neighbors come together—under tents, around long tables, beside marching bands, with a good beer in hand.
As the air cools and the days grow shorter, the piazzas fill with music, light, and that unique warmth that only human connection can generate.
Vocabulary
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Sagra | Village fair |
| Volontario | Volunteer |
| Fuori moda | Out of fashion |
| Comunità | Community |
| Banchetti | Food stalls |
| Identità | Identity |
| Tradizione | Tradition |
| Banda | Music band |
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