Amid the summer’s parade of flashy events and Instagram-perfect experiences, there is another Italy - one that thrives in the rhythm of its small-town festivals. These sagre light up village squares and side streets from the mountains to the sea, celebrating everything from patron saints to mussels, from the return of an emigrant to the blessing of tractors. Every night somewhere, a community gathers under string lights, drawn together by food, music, and tradition.

There are no reservations here, no numbered tickets, no apps to track your order. To find your place, you weave between rows of long wooden benches - some under tents, others in the open air - until you spot a space next to friends, neighbors, or complete strangers. A shared meal becomes a shared moment, whether it’s a plate of handmade pasta, a simple sandwich, or bread topped with fresh tomatoes and olive oil.