From 30 October to 1 November 2026, the Colonia Elioterapica will host the 18th edition of the Sagra delle Carni in Umido, a traditional food festival featuring hearty local dishes and a fundraising initiative supporting Cantù’s Civil Protection volunteers.
Autumn is the perfect season to gather around the table and enjoy a warm, comforting meal. In Cantù, one of the upcoming events is the Sagra delle Carni in Umido, a festival dedicated to traditional slow-cooked meat dishes, now celebrating its 18th edition.
The event will take place from Friday, 30 October to Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the Colonia Elioterapica, located at Campo Solare on Via Giovanni da Cermenate.
The idea is simple: three days celebrating traditional home-style cooking, with recipes passed down through generations and the chance to enjoy a meal together.
But the festival is about more than food. It is also an opportunity to support the volunteers who work to help and protect the local community.
Braised meat, ossobuco and polenta: what’s on the menu?
The menu is designed for anyone who enjoys traditional Italian home cooking and rich, comforting flavours.
Among the specialities will be braised donkey meat, beef ossobuco, tripe, traditionally known as busecca in Lombardy, and Venetian-style liver.
The dishes will be served with polenta, a staple of northern Italian cuisine and a favourite during the colder months.
These recipes are rooted in a culinary tradition built around simple ingredients and slow cooking methods, transforming everyday products into satisfying, flavourful meals.
For visitors interested in discovering authentic Lombard cuisine, the festival is an opportunity to taste these traditional dishes without having to prepare them at home.
Supporting Cantù’s Civil Protection volunteers
The festival is organised by the volunteers of Associazione Amici Protezione Civile Cantù, who are once again responsible for bringing the event to life.
Proceeds from the festival will be donated to support the association’s activities, fund new projects and purchase equipment for the local Civil Protection organisation.
Taking part therefore means not only enjoying traditional food but also contributing to an important service for the community.
There is also a practical detail worth knowing: the festival venue will be covered and heated, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals comfortably even if the autumn weather is cold or rainy.
Sagra delle Carni in Umido 2026: dates and opening hours
The festival will take place at the Colonia Elioterapica in Cantù, according to the following schedule:
• Friday, 30 October: dinner from 7:30 pm.
• Saturday, 31 October: dinner from 7:30 pm.
• Sunday, 1 November: lunch from 12 pm to 2:30 pm.
A takeaway service will also be available for visitors who prefer to enjoy the festival’s specialities at home.
Over the years, the Sagra delle Carni in Umido has become a local tradition that brings together good food and the commitment of volunteers.
Once again, the event offers a chance to spend a few hours enjoying traditional cuisine while supporting those who dedicate their time to the local community.
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