Event Details
Welcome to the 44th Sagra della Cipolla Rossa di Breme 2026
From 12 to 21 June 2026, the small medieval village of Breme in the Lomellina area (Province of Pavia, Lombardy) becomes the capital of one of Italy's most extraordinary local products. The 44th Sagra della Cipolla Rossa De.CO celebrates the unique „Dolcissima" – a Red Onion cultivated in Breme since 906 AD, recognised as a Slow Food Presidio since 2020 and awarded the Marchio Collettivo in 2022. Around 12,000 visitors travel each year to this village of just 700 inhabitants to experience this authentic Italian food festival.
Highlights
- Traditional full menu based entirely on the Cipolla Rossa, from antipasto to onion-flavoured gelato
- Fully covered festival area – the event takes place regardless of weather
- Slow Food Presidio and De.C.O.-certified product of local origin
- Craft and hobby market on Saturdays and Sundays
- Free self-guided tours of historic Breme daily from 10:00 to 21:30
- Guided tours every Sunday at 15:00 (booking recommended: +39 328 7816360)
- Photo exhibition "Abbeys, Castles and Towers of Lomellina" at the Sala Polifunzionale
- Fun fair for children at Piazza della Fiera
- Free motorhome parking at the Abbazia park (up to 3 nights)
Dates & Program 2026
The festival takes place across two weekends: 12 to 14 June and 19 to 21 June 2026. During the week in between (15 to 18 June), special pizza evenings featuring Red Onion De.CO pizzas are held from 19:30.
- Friday and Saturday: Dinner service only, 19:15 to 23:00
- Sunday: Lunch 12:00 to 14:30 and dinner 19:15 to 23:00
- Monday to Thursday: Pizza evenings from 19:30
- Red Onion sales: Saturday from 10:00, Sunday from 10:00 (while stocks last), Friday from 18:00
The Menu
The traditional festival menu is built entirely around the Cipolla Rossa di Breme:
- Starter: Salam d'la Duja (salami preserved in fat)
- First courses: Onion soup, pasta with onion ragù or tomato sauce, tripe
- Main courses: Onion frittata, grilled meats (braciola and salamella), donkey stew with polenta
- Side dishes: Crispy cooked onion salad, Insalata alla Bertin (raw onion with anchovies), Insalata alla Bremese (raw onion with tuna and beans)
- Dessert: Crostata in various flavours
- Local speciality: Onion gelato at Bar Mafalda, approximately 100 metres from the festival area
Important Information
- Cash only – no card payments accepted. A Postamat ATM is available on the main square.
- There are two separate queues: one for food, one for drinks. Groups should split up to save time.
- Bring insect repellent for the evenings.
- Visitors with mobility difficulties can arrange assistance in advance by calling +39 328 7816360 (at least 2 days ahead).
- Food is served directly at the table within approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early, especially on Sunday lunchtimes – the festival attracts thousands of visitors.
- Motorhomes can park for free at the Abbazia di San Pietro park for up to three nights.
- Do not miss the Abbazia di San Pietro, founded in 929 AD along the Via Francigena – a remarkable piece of medieval history right next to the festival.
- Bring enough cash as card payments are not available anywhere on the festival grounds.
- Book accommodation in Pavia or the surrounding area in advance, as Breme itself has very limited lodging options.
