Tradition, Rice and Culture in the Pavese area

The Pavese area is gearing up for an autumn devoted to slow discovery, from the cloisters of the Certosa di Pavia to the surrounding rice paddies and the traditions of its historic farmsteads. This is the common thread of “Tradizioni, riso e cultura nel Pavese” (“Tradition, Rice and Culture in the Pavese”), a calendar of events promoted by the municipalities of Certosa di Pavia, Giussago, Zeccone, Siziano and Marcignago and supported by the regional call “Itinerari ed Eventi in Lombardia 2026” (“Itineraries and Events in Lombardy 2026”). The project brings five neighbouring communities together to tell, with one voice, the history, rural landscape and food culture that define this part of the province of Pavia.

Five Municipalities, One Shared Promotion Strategy

The initiative grew out of the participating municipalities' wish to look beyond administrative boundaries and build a shared cultural and tourism offer that showcases local resources and strengthens the area's identity. The events, spread across September and October 2026, are aimed at a wide audience: families, cycling tourists, students, history and food lovers, as well as nearby visitors looking for authentic, sustainable experiences.

Certosa di Pavia – In the Footsteps of the Lords of Pavia

September 26 – October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026

The lead municipality is offering five guided cycling itineraries exploring the historical, artistic and landscape heritage surrounding the famous monumental complex. The routes wind through the lands of the Certosa, among rice paddies, historic farmsteads and traces of the Visconti and Sforza eras, weaving together cultural visits, rural landscape and local food and wine: five outings on five autumn Sundays, ideal for exploring the area at a slow pace.

Giussago – Rice Festival

September 27, 2026

A day entirely devoted to the product that symbolises Pavese agriculture. The programme includes workshops for children, educational activities exploring the rice-growing cycle, moments of conviviality and a risotto competition showcasing the area's culinary excellence.

Zeccone – Discovering the Rural Countryside of Zeccone by Bike

October 3, 2026

A guided cycling itinerary through rice paddies, farmsteads and historic sites in the municipality, designed to promote slow tourism and a direct experience of the Pavese rural landscape. The event suits families and cycling enthusiasts eager to discover a corner of countryside often off the beaten path.

Siziano – Siziano in Festa

September 5–13, 2026

The festival dedicated to the area's rural culture returns, combining exhibitions, workshops and guided tours with musical moments inspired by the tradition of the mondine, the region's historic rice weeders. Nine days of events for families and visitors, blending historical memory with community gatherings.

Marcignago – Discovering Marcignago: Rice, Stories and Young Voices

September 20, 2026

An event weaving together the story of the local rice-growing tradition with a large community risotto dinner, live music and the direct involvement of young people, who take the lead in animation and storytelling activities about the area.

A Territory to Discover Slowly

Through this shared calendar, the five municipalities aim to raise the profile of the Pavese area as a destination offering authentic experiences across culture, nature, history and food and wine. An invitation to discover, between September and October 2026, a side of the Pavese territory shaped by rural landscapes, farming heritage and genuine flavours, from the Certosa di Pavia to the villages of Giussago, Zeccone, Siziano and Marcignago.

Info:  info@progetti.pavia.it