The Macaroni calendar

Festa del Fusilli, the Great Toss, and the Night of a Thousand Lanterns.

Pastalia does not believe in a quiet year. Nonna Rigatoni has a favorite festival — every Macaroni does — and will defend the choice loudly.

Festa del Fusilli (spring)

The valley's spring festival: spiral dancers twirl through Al Dente trailing ribbons, and children compete in the Great Twirl — who can spin longest without getting dizzy.

The Great Toss (harvest)

When the durum comes in, the whole valley gathers to toss the harvest in the air from giant colanders. If the grain falls clean, the winter will be kind. It always falls clean. Nobody questions this.

Sauce Sunday (weekly)

Not a festival, technically — just Sunday. But visitors mistake it for one, and the Macaronis take that as a compliment.

The Night of a Thousand Lanterns (midwinter)

On the longest night, families set glowing lanterns afloat on the Marinara — one for every loved one, near or far. The river runs with light until dawn.

Nonna's Sunday Table (weekly, Little Italy)

One formidable matriarch's open table, where anyone hungry is family. Reservations are not accepted. Excuses are not accepted either.