The city of Mantova is preparing to host the annual Festa delle Lumere on October 26, 2026, according to the Mantova Agricultural Consortium. The cultural celebration revives an ancient rural tradition where carved pumpkins illuminated the autumn landscape on All Saints’ Eve, blending regional folklore with agricultural identity.
Reviving Mantova’s Autumn Agricultural Heritage
Promoted by the Mantova Agricultural Consortium, the festival centers on the pumpkin as the symbolic queen of the autumn season. Activities include traditional pumpkin carving workshops designed to transform the gourds into fantastical figures.
Culinary Traditions and Regional Identity
Beyond its cultural and artistic framework, the Festa delle Lumere highlights the agricultural gastronomy of the Mantova region. The festival invites visitors to explore local culinary dishes featuring the pumpkin, serving as a testament to the area’s agricultural heritage.