The Polenta Festival turns 50: a half-century-long celebration in Santa Maria in Selva (PHOTOS and VIDEO)

An anniversary that carries with it a story of people. Among the protagonists of the early years is Don Peppe, remembered during the celebration as one of the figures who most believed in the festival and its ability to become a moment of encounter. Over the years, that simple dish, polenta, has developed into a true occasion of conviviality, engaging not only the parish community but also the many people who gravitate towards Santa Maria in Selva and Treia.

"Fifty years of hard work, satisfaction, and dedication," said Antonio Pettinari, emphasizing how over time, not only the parish community but also those who live in the area have grown. And polenta, in Don Peppe's vision, was a tool for bringing people together: a dish around which the family gathered and faced even the greatest challenges together.

A sense of community that over the years has transcended the confines of the festival. Santa Maria in Selva is in fact part of the National Association of Italian Polenta Makers, founded precisely out of a desire to connect people united by the tradition of polenta.

And today, that same philosophy continues thanks to the work of volunteers. "Thanks to the help of the entire committee and the collaboration of all the young people," explained Gabriele Soldini, recalling the role of the many people involved during the evenings. Wearing their yellow t-shirts, they are ready to take care of the event's various needs, with the goal of making guests feel "at home."

Then there's polenta, of course. The menu offers various interpretations of the festival's signature dish: from the classic duck sauce to sausage sauce, including cod and the option of pairing duck and sausage. New this year is the sweet version with sapa (a type of syrup). Rounding out the menu are grilled and char-grilled meats, French fries, salad, and fritters.

But the celebration doesn't end at the table. Every evening it's accompanied by entertainment and music, with various groups participating in the program. And the first glance paints a picture of an event that continues to draw people: the long lines in front of the stands have become one of the most striking images of these evenings.

Among the guests and tasters were Luciano and Simona Sileoni of Lube, who came to Santa Maria in Selva to sample the festival's specialties.

But for the 50th anniversary, there's another way to tell this story. It's the photography exhibition "Where Souls Meet" by Mirko Pizzichini, dedicated to the faces of those who make the festival possible. Portraits that shift the focus from the plate to the people: because a festival isn't just what's on the table, but above all the interweaving of stories, relationships, and humanity that develops around that table.

And the party isn't over yet. Next weekend, the Santa Maria in Selva Polenta Festival will return with an additional event compared to previous years: Friday night. This evening is also designed to engage younger audiences, with the Sugar Club band followed by a DJ set by Luca Moretti.

Fifty years later, polenta remains the symbol. But the true essence of the festival seems to have remained the same: togetherness.