Veronese Ganzega del Porcellino Celebrates Traditional Pig Festival

Every Friday, until December 14th, on the Veronese bank, the “Ganzega del porcellino” is celebrated. Pork meat has been, for centuries, the foundation of peasant cuisine. The raising of pigs was nearly the only source of creating winter provisions, in the form of lard and cured meats. The slaughter of the pig was an occasion for a popular celebration, gradually falling into oblivion.

Now, at “Ca’ del Ponte” in Albarè (Costermano), on the Veronese shore of the lake, every Friday evening the ganzega is held (the festival that was celebrated at the completion of a house or during farm work), featuring savory pies with ciccioli, bruschetta with mashed and flavored lardo, and smoked pork jowl, risotto with tastasal, pig’s trotters with pearà, beans with pork skin, cotechino, and fogassa.

A dinner accompanied by classic Bardolino Monte Oliveto or Valpolicella Nicolis wines. Each participant will receive a free apron. The hall is filled with folk music featuring the accordion.

Participants and sponsorship

The event is sponsored by the association “I Ghiottoni,” led by Angelo Peretti, and by Slow Food of Eastern Garda. Reservations can be made by calling 045-7200692.

At the inaugural evening, attendees included Aleardo Merlin (president of the Provincial Administration and of the “Autostrada Serenissima” spa), Gustavo Franchetto (the star of “TeleArena,” now vice president of the Veneto Regional Council), along with all the mayors of the area. Representatives from Casa delle Libertà and Centrosinistra.

Meaning and purpose of the celebration

To celebrate the pig.