Casoncelli Festival in Erbanno

The Casoncelli Festival in Erbanno is one of the most beloved and eagerly awaited food and wine events in the Valle Camonica. It is a celebration of the casoncelli, one of the iconic dishes of Lombard cuisine, especially in the province of Brescia. Every year, in August, the village of Erbanno, a hamlet of Darfo Boario Terme, fills with visitors and food enthusiasts eager to savor this local specialty while enjoying an authentic experience of genuine flavors, music and popular culture.

This dish, which embodies the history and culture of an entire territory, is a symbol of the conviviality and authenticity that define the Valle Camonica.

The casoncello, also known as casonsèl, is a type of stuffed pasta traditional to Lombard cuisine. Each area in the region has its own variation, but Erbanno’s version stands out for its simplicity and the genuineness of its ingredients. The pasta dough, handmade from flour and eggs, is filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, ground meat, eggs and seasonings. This version differs from the Brescia and Val Trompia styles, which feature a vegetarian filling made of eggs, breadcrumbs, butter and parsley. The casoncelli is served with melted butter, sage and sometimes crispy pancetta—a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly represents local culinary traditions.

What makes the Casoncelli Festival in Erbanno so special is that all the preparations are carried out by local families, who pass down the recipe from generation to generation, preserving the authenticity of this dish. The casoncelli are prepared just one day before the event, ensuring they are always fresh and never frozen.

Each summer, the Casoncelli Festival transforms the small Camuno village into a must-visit destination for food lovers and anyone eager to experience local traditions firsthand. The event typically lasts two days, with the streets of the village coming alive with food stalls, local product markets and entertainment for all ages.

The festival opens with the preparation and serving of its centerpiece dish, the casoncelli of Erbanno, which can be enjoyed at tables set up in the village squares or purchased to take home.

The celebration doesn’t stop at casoncelli: other traditional dishes from the Valle Camonica are also featured, such as polenta, local cured meats, regional cheeses and traditional desserts.

Throughout the event, the program is enriched with live music, folk performances and children’s games. The festive and welcoming atmosphere is one of the reasons the Casoncelli Festival in Erbanno draws such large crowds every year. The evenings conclude with performances and DJ sets, adding a lively touch to the celebration.

The Casoncelli Festival in Erbanno offers more than just a chance to enjoy a traditional dish; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions. Strolling through the charming village, visitors can admire Erbanno’s architectural beauty, including its stone houses, ancient churches and narrow alleys that retain the timeless atmosphere of the Valle Camonica.

One of the most appreciated aspects of the festival is the community’s dedication to preserving traditions. Local families actively participate in organizing the event, crafting and shaping the casoncelli by hand according to time-honored recipes.

Attending the Casoncelli Festival in Erbanno is easy. The village is just minutes away from the center of Darfo Boario Terme, one of the main tourist destinations in the Valle Camonica. Erbanno is accessible by car or public transport, thanks to its proximity to the valley’s main thoroughfares.

During the festival, special parking areas are set up for visitors to ensure a hassle-free experience. For those wishing to fully explore the valley, the festival can be paired with a stay at nearby thermal resorts or a trip to the surrounding natural parks.