Polentone Festival and Ugly People Festival: Tradition and Folklore in Piobbico

The cultural identity of Piobbico between taste and irony

From September 4 to 6, 2026, the village of Piobbico, nestled in the Marche hinterland at the foot of Monte Nerone, becomes the stage for an event that blends rural identity and convivial spirit. The historic center, dominated by the imposing profile of the Brancaleoni Castle – a 13th-century aristocratic residence that bears witness to the Renaissance splendor of the local lords – opens its squares to two of the most representative events of Piobbico's tradition: the Polentone alla Carbonara Festival and the Ugly People Festival (Festival dei Brutti).

A centuries-old gastronomic heritage

The centerpiece of the culinary celebration is the Polentone alla Carbonara, a preparation that transcends the concept of a simple dish to become historical memory. The recipe, jealously guarded and handed down orally, reflects the subsistence economy of the ancient Apennine populations: cornmeal patiently worked over large fires and enriched with a robust seasoning, an expression of the local agro-pastoral culture. The stirring process and the mastery in cooking the maize give the dish a consistency and flavor that are hard to find outside the local mountain context.

The Ugly People Festival: a reinterpretation of aesthetics

Parallel to the gastronomic enhancement, the event celebrates originality with the Ugly People Festival. Initially born as an association to facilitate the marriage of the town's single women, the Club dei Brutti (Club of the Ugly) of Piobbico has evolved over time into an association that claims the supremacy of inner beauty and self-irony over contemporary aesthetic standards. During the three days, the village atmosphere is enlivened by debates, artistic performances, and moments of reflection that place the individual beyond physical appearance at the center, transforming a local custom into a national sociological phenomenon.

Information for participation

The activities are spread across the entire weekend, offering visitors the opportunity to combine gastronomic tasting with the discovery of the village's architectural beauties and the surrounding natural areas. Participation in the festival is free; however, it is advisable to check the opening hours of the food stands on-site, which are mainly active during the evening hours and throughout the day on Sunday. For further details on reservations, updated programs, and tourist reception, you can consult the event's official channels or contact the local organizing office.