The humble potato is often remembered as a food of poverty, but this weekend in Rieti (Lazio) the spud will be the star of the table.
The small town of Leonessa will host the 22nd annual Potato Festival on the 8th and 9th of October 2011, preparing over 100 tons of potatoes to feed thousands of visitors.
Baked, boiled or fried, the many kilos of tubers will be put to varied uses. From gnocchi with truffle and mutton sauce to the sweet potato donut that is Leonessa’s speciality, there is a dish to please any palate.
Potatoes will take a starring role, but a multitude of typical products will be on hand to accompany the main course. Over one hundred booths will offer salami, cheese, honey, truffles and candies. Local craftsmen will also be selling handmade lace, wood carvings and wrought iron objects.
Comedian Valentina Persia will be on hand on Saturday night to entertain the well-fed crowds before a large fireworks show.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.leonessa.org ( in Italian).
