The Michetta Festival

Every year, on August 16, the streets of Dolceacqua come alive to celebrate the Michetta Festival, an event in which legend, folk tradition, and historical memory are intertwined. The event has its roots in the 14th century, during the rule of the imperial tyrant Doria, lord of the local castle. According to legend, Doria exercised the infamous jus primae noctis, until a young 17-year-old bride-whom tradition calls Lucrezia or Filomena-had the courage to oppose him, being imprisoned for this act.

There are two versions of the story: in the first, Lucrezia is saved by a popular uprising led by her groom Basso, who succeeded in driving out the tyrant; in the second, Filomena dies in captivity, and her restless spirit is said to still roam in the ruins of the Doria Castle.

As a sign of victory and freedom, the population prepared a simple but symbolic cake for the occasion, called Michetta, whose shape ironically alludes to the theme of women’s liberation. Thus was born the festival, which is still revived every year with a festive and participatory ritual.

On the morning of Aug. 16, groups of young people in traditional costume and accompanied by a small orchestra walk through the village neighborhoods visiting wineries and stopping under the girls’ windows, clamoring for “michetta.” The girls, amid smiles and mischief, lower the michettas into wicker baskets. The sweets are then transported by mule and later distributed to charity.

The Michetta and the Crocetta

Michetta is now the signature dessert of Dolceacqua, produced year-round according to handed-down recipes and local variations. Since 2008, it has been protected by the Denominazione Comunale di Origine (De.C.O.), confirming its historical and gastronomic value.

Also not to be missed is the variant called Crocetta, recognizable by its different shape and the addition of butter to the dough, which makes it softer and more fragrant.

The Michetta Festival is much more than a folkloric event: it is an identity rite, a moment when Dolceacqua celebrates the courage, freedom, and sweetness of its collective memory.