Liguria in Focus: Megli’s Sagra delle Focaccette

We live down the hill from Megli, and even though we just hiked up to Piani di Cren, over to San Rocco, through Camogli, and back down to Recco on Saturday, we woke up on Sunday knowing that our bellies would be very fulfilled if we took the short hike up to Megli for the annual Sagra delle Focacette.

Megli’s Focaccette Fest is a unique celebration of fried dough filled with cheese, stunning sea views, and community spirit. This festival is a memorable experience for both locals and visitors, marking its 53rd year this year. The festival takes place in Megli, a coastal village overlooking the Ligurian Sea just above Recco. 

Megli’s Focaccette Fest is more than just an event; it’s a tradition that has been bringing people together for over half a century. This Italian food event celebrates the beloved focaccette, a fried dough delicacy that has been a staple in Ligurian cuisine for generations. 

These small, round and flat / puffy and crunchy pieces of fried dough are served in the classic version, which is fried dough filled with stracchino cheese and lightly salted. But you can also request in advance that they be made without cheese, and served with either just the salt, or a sweeter option with sugar – which with the sugar honestly tastes very similar to a very fresh churro (wow!).

I of course had to ask if I could get some photos of the production process, and I have to say everyone we spoke to was just an absolute pleasure to talk to. Everyone was very happy and welcoming, and we really felt right at home. Even though we’ve only lived in this area for just over a year and a half at this point, we really felt like a part of the community.

So what’s the backstory? Well my understanding is that in 1972, a group of parishioners at San Martino di Megli thought their annual event could benefit from a tasty snack. They filled circles of unleavened dough with stracchino, fried them in a large pan of oil, and sold them to help fund repairs for the church’s roof. Fifty years later, this delicious treat has become a beloved highlight of the spring festival along the Golfo Paradiso. That is what I call some pretty tasty ingenuity!

What started as a parish fundraiser on Easter Monday ( Pasquetta) back in the early 1970s has now grown into a Ligurian spring classic. It’s honestly a relaxing and fun afternoon experience for the whole family. They have large bingo game where you can win anything from focaccia to locally produced amaro, and afterwards they even have live music and large groups of people can be seen dancing in sync.

Some tips:

• Bring cash. The main ‘Cassa’ in front of the church also accepts cards, but bring cash just in case!
• When you get your fresh focacette, be aware that the cheese may be very, very hot, and very liquidy inside! Eat slowly, and with care. Think of it as just savoring the flavor, and thank me later 🙂
• They also sell glasses of wine, at least one type of beer, as well as soft drinks and water.
• If you want to wait in line to get the free focaccia – be sure to get their early! The lines can honestly be quite long ( but totally worth it!)
• Focacette prices as of 2025 were 2,50 Euro each if you just want to pay for them instead.
• There is a shuttle that can take you up to the event from Recco, but if you’re feeling athletically inclined like we were – it’s a solid basically straight up staircase that lasts 10-15 minutes from Recco, depending on your speed. I personally like the walk as there are plenty of places to see varying views of Recco and the beautiful coastline as you go up 🙂
• The main event is directly in front of the church: Chiesa di Nostra Signora delle Grazie
• Don’t forget your sunscreen and your dancing shoes! There is certainly shade to be found, but the outdoor dance floor doesn’t have as much shade from the trees
• The continuation of the party is just up the hill from the church. Just follow the line of people waiting for free focaccia on the left of the church, then take your first left and an almost immediate right towards the sound of live music.

I’m really happy we decided to go to this small, but honestly fun festival near where we live. We got to connect more with our community, and it was honestly a great experience watching people of all ages smile with focaccia in their hands, and kids running around while their parents relax in the shade of olive trees. Just a perfect weekend afternoon to be honest. It also gave our daughter a chance to interact with a variety of people, and she really enjoyed all the music as well. Grazie di nuovo Megli! We’ll see you again next year for sure 🙂