Sagra dell'Offella di Parona

Once upon a time, there were Pasqualina and Elena Colli…
The birth of the Offella is a bit like a fairy tale, telling the true story of two sisters from Parona who, at the end of the 19th century, created this specialty without ever revealing its recipe.

The presence of the Offelle on Parona’s tables soon became linked to the celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary, when they were offered to relatives and friends arriving from nearby towns to enjoy their unmistakable flavor.

To protect the authenticity of this traditional biscuit, the local Pro Loco association registered a guarantee brand, given to producers who gradually replaced the old household ovens.

And to promote its image, since 1969 they have organized the Sagra dell’Offella, held on the first Sunday of October: on that day, the colors and atmosphere of the traditional folk festival come alive.

What was the secret behind such success? The answer is simple: the genuineness of the ingredients, their perfect balance, and the precise baking gave the product an exceptional level of popularity.

Those ingredients and those methods of production, even after decades, have remained unchanged.
They still attract thousands of visitors, drawn to the timeless sweetness of this dessert — the pride of Lomellina.

Parona is now preparing to celebrate the 2025 edition of its historic Sagra dell’Offella, expanding the program into three evenings full of flavors, music, and events for all ages.

For the first time, the festival will kick off on Friday, October 3, with an evening especially dedicated to young people.
“We will inaugurate the dining area under the marquee in Via Parrocchiale,” explains president Gabriele Colombo, “with a menu designed for the younger crowd.”
Hamburgers, fries, sausages, fish & chips, and ravioli will be the stars of the dinner, also available for take-away. The night will continue with a DJ set and electronic music until 1 a.m.

The traditional program will start on Saturday, October 4, with the return of the symbolic characters Pasqualina and Pinotu in the evocative former Church of San Siro. Piazza Nuova will instead host the musical show “Festivalbar – An Italian Summer”, a showcase of the greatest Italian summer hits.

On Sunday, October 5, the event will close in style with the classic parade through the streets of the town, accompanied by the marching band, the fanfare, and the majorettes. As per tradition, two handcrafted allegorical floats will also be on display, symbols of the dedication and creativity of the local community.

An unmissable event, blending tradition and new features, with the undisputed queen of the festival: the unmistakable Offella di Parona.