The Gnoccata of Guastalla

Every three years in the month of May, Guastalla celebrates the traditional "Gnucàda"-the gnoccata-which commemorates a popular feast organized by millers in the mid-19th century while working on the banks of the Po River. On that occasion, the millers distributed plates of gnocchi made from the porridge obtained from the milling process. This convivial moment turned a few years later into a full-fledged protest against the milling tax that was introduced by the Menabrea government. During the event, Guastalla is invaded by a cheerful historical procession, composed of two parts: the lords-those who ruled over the area-and the common people-on traditional floats representing ancient trades. There is no shortage of fire and juggling shows, but the most anticipated moments are the free distribution of no less than 2,500 kilograms of dumplings to those present and the crowning of the "Dumpling King," who symbolizes a propitiatory figure to overcome the poverty in which the people of the area poured in the 19th century.