Never been to a sagra? Villaverla’s summer festival could be your first

VICENZA, Italy - For newcomers to Vicenza, discovering their first sagra often opens an inviting world of annual festivals in local Italian communities.

Italians, especially during the summer months, fill their town squares with food, fun and music. Communities of Vicenza province come to life at these events. They often honor a saint or highlight traditional culinary specialties or locally sourced food.

Spc. Christopher Sanchez, a Soldier from Southern European Task Force, Africa, arrived in Vicenza in February and settled in Caldogno.

"I didn't know what a sagra was. But, after finding out, I am definitely intrigued by them," Sanchez said. "It can be a fun opportunity to network with the locals and explore the Italian culture with family."

At U.S. Army Garrison Italy, Americans can find out more about the upcoming sagre - notice the word's ending change to make it plural - on the Italian News feature of The Garrison Outlook, www.army.mil/italy

For example, this week there is a sagra in Villaverla, about a ten-minute drive from Caldogno. It runs from August 2-5, with fireworks at midnight on the final evening.

Sagre are organized by each comune's pro loco, a volunteer organization that helps during every step of the process. In Villaverla, 80 people volunteered and worked tirelessly to prepare for one of the biggest events of the season.

Federico Boscato, the Villaverla pro loco president, is proud of his team's efforts. Promoting the town is important, he said.

"We organize events to protect the artistic and cultural traditions of Villaverla," Boscato said.

To him, sagre are an authentic Italian experience, a chance to spend a weekend together, preserving traditions and enjoying the local cuisine, he said.

Mattia Baio, an Italian employee from the 509th Strategic Signal Battalion, dedicated free time after work to help prepare for his hometown festival. He met with vendors, bought supplies and took on some hard labor - building the stage, gazebos and tents.

Baio, a volunteer for the past two years, said the work is tiring but satisfying. Being able to give back to his community makes him happy, he said.

"We've just finished working hard on the sagra of Novoledo," Baio said. "It's gratifying to serve my neighbors, friends and family and make sure they have a great time."

Sanchez, a newcomer to the community, looks forward to trying new food and blending in with the local population.

"Hopefully some other colleagues are interested and decide to make it out as well," Sanchez said.

Here's a list of the many events including the sagre from the towns throughout the Vicenza province.

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