Italy's strong religious past has resulted in many festival foods
which are only made at certain times of year, and many of these traditions are still alive today.
An example of English equivalent is Pancake Day.
The origins of the Sagre are religious, pagan or a mix of both.
They are a time to socialise, eat and celebrate. There are also political celebrations, such as the annual Festa dell'Unità for the left side of the political division idea. (I don't know if its correct in english: socialist or comunist!!!)
Food, obviously, is one of the key elements, for eat and buy it.
