Location: Location 1: Via Zona Industriale, 33049 San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter UD | Location 2: Merso di Sopra/Gorenja Mersa, 33040 San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart (UD)
In the Land of Gubana: Three Days Celebrating a Symbol of Tradition
“We are not simply celebrating a culinary tradition of excellence; we are celebrating our very regional identity. Gubana is a living symbol of the culture of the Natisone Valleys—a true bridge connecting generations, from the elders who safeguard the secrets of this recipe to the younger generations who are called upon to become its new keepers and ambassadors.”
Gubanca is a symbol of the culture and identity of the Natisone Valleys—a bridge between generations and a living part of the community’s heritage.
Over the course of three days, we’ll explore the value of the traditional recipe, as well as the role of memory and intergenerational knowledge in celebrating and strengthening the region. Locally sourced ingredients and traditions passed down from mother to daughter can transform a centuries-old recipe into a driver of cultural and tourism development. It is a heritage that brings together community, history, identity, and authenticity.
The events will take place at the following locations:
- San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter --> Via Zona Industriale 1, 33040 San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter (UD)
- San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart --> Merso di Sopra/Gorenja Mersa 4, 33040 San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart (UD).
Program:
Friday, October 2
- 6.00 PM in San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter
Opening: Official opening ceremony with the cutting of the Giant Gubanca, in collaboration with the Sapori nelle Valli association.
Saturday, October 3
- 8.00 in San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart
"Agribus delle Valli" tour: An immersive experience designed for project partners and tourism professionals.
- 9.00 AM - 8.00 PM in San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter
"Sapori nelle Valli" market
- 5.00 PM in San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart
Conference: "Gubanca: The Authentic Taste of Memory and the Future"
- 6.30 PM in San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart
Tasting: “The Challenge of the Senses” – a comparative tasting of Gubanca featuring the project partners.
- 9.00 PM in San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter
Folk-Rock concert: performance by "Cinque uomini sulla cassa del morto".
Sunday, October 4
A day devoted entirely to families and children.
- 9.00 AM - 8.00 PM in San Pietro al Natisone/Špeter
"Sapori nelle Valli" market
- 9.00 in San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart
Workhops and Family Activities: engaging activities designed to introduce children to local traditions in a fun and creative way, offering a unique hands-on learning experience.
The workshops are free, but advance registration is required at -->- “Hands in the Dough – Let’s Make Gubanca” – children’s workshop with La Gubana della Nonna.
- “Tapestry of Flavors” – creative workshop for children with artist Monica Parussolo. Free admission; advance registration required.
- “The Play Garden” – activities for children and families.
- 9.30 in San Leonardo/Sv. Lenart
"Agribus delle Valli" tour: Open to everyone, with tastings at local businesses. Reservations required through Pro Loco Nediške Doline-Valli del Natisone APS: (+39) 339 840 3196,
For more information:
Associazione Sapori nelle Valli
(+39) 335 636 9150
The event is part of the broader European AltRoute project, funded by the Interreg VI-A Italy–Croatia program. The project promotes slow, sustainable tourism away from mass-tourism routes, highlighting local food and wine traditions—with a particular focus on gubanca—and fostering intergenerational dialogue.