Sagra della Farinata di Pegli: Liguria’s Crispy Goodbye to Summer

Region: Liguria
Province / Nearest City: Genoa
Title: Sagra della Farinata di Pegli – Golden Bites by the Sea

Variance
Once a year in September, the coastal suburb of Pegli in Genoa becomes a scented, busy piazza of golden flatbreads. The Sagra della Farinata di Pegli honors one of Liguria's most popular and simplest recipes, unifying locals and tourists for a weekend of taste, music, and sea air.

Origins and Meaning:
Farinata, consisting of nothing more than chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt, has been a staple in Ligurian culture for generations. The festival of Pegli used to be a modest local event put together by bakers and locals but has over the years become one of the most eagerly awaited food festivals on Genoa’s west coast. It is a testament to tradition, culture, and the timeless power of this vegan, gluten-free-friendly dish.

Event Atmosphere:
In Piazza Bonavino, the streets are lined with long tables and the air is thick with the nutty smell of chickpeas cooking in huge shallow pans. Volunteers remove gigantic trays of farinata from wood-fired ovens on carts, cutting the crispy edges into wedges for hands anxious to devour them. There's music in the air—folk music in the afternoons, raucous bands in the evenings—while friends and family sip the local wine and socialize as the Ligurian sunset tints the sea.

What to Expect and How to Join:
The Sagra della Farinata di Pegli occurs in the latter part of September, from the Friday evening to the Sunday night. Admission is gratis, and tickets for food are available for purchase in the square. In addition to the original farinata, there are versions with onions, rosemary, or fumetto (melted cheese) for the non-vegetarians, and local wines and pastries. Peak crowd times are in the evenings, so early birds enjoy the crunchiest pieces.

Address: Piazza Bonavino, Pegli, Genoa

How to Get There:

By car: From Genoa city center, go west on SS1 Aurelia to Pegli; approximately 14 km, about 25 minutes.

By public transport: Trains run on schedule from Genoa Piazza Principe to Pegli in 20 minutes. The square can also be easily accessed on foot from the railway station.

Nearby Food & Stay:
Stay at Hotel Castello Miramare for sea views and easy access to the festival. In addition to farinata, try trofie al pesto or acciughe ripiene (stuffed anchovies) in nearby trattorias. With its golden slices, warm company, and sea-kissed setting, the Sagra della Farinata di Pegli is more than a food festival—it’s a perfect farewell to summer in Liguria. Come hungry, leave smiling, and carry a little taste of tradition with you.