Festival name: Rice Festival
Date: First week of June
Town: Villimpenta
Province: Mantova
Region: Lombardy
Food: Rice
About the event: Italy's famous "rice route," where rice was grown and shipped from, stretches from Roberbella to Governolo. Today, much of Italy's rice is still grown in the province of Mantova and surrounding regions. During the year, many of the cities along the rice route sponsor their own rice festivals, each featuring risotto and other rice specialties. Most believe that rice was introduced to Europe around 300 years before Christ, although it did not come to Italy until the 15th century or so.
For more info: Mantova Tourist Office Tel. (+39) 0376-321-601

Festival name: The Frog Festival
Date: Around the first Sunday in September
Town: Sartirana Lomellina
Province: Pavia
Region: Lombardy
Food: Frogs
About the event: The festival is held in a small outdoor garden in the town, and delicacies like rice with frog liver, polenta and stewed frogs and browned frog are served. On the last day, a craft market and a Natural Living exhibit (with organic beauty products and treatments) are also held.
For more info: www.florcraft.50megs.com

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