With the arrival of November, Italy lights up with autumnal aromas and flavours, thanks to the numerous festivals and events that celebrate the gastronomic excellence of the area. From north to south, for the All Saints weekend, villages and cities prepare to welcome tourists and enthusiasts with events that blend tradition, art and good food in a unique atmosphere. From the white truffle of Alba to the saffron of Cascia, from the chestnuts of Vallerano to the Lucanian strazzata, every corner of the country offers opportunities for trips out of town to discover the typical flavours and local culture. Here is a selection of the most anticipated festivals and events of the weekend from 1 to 3 November.
Ciuìga festival in San Lorenzo Dorsino (TN)
From 31 October to 3 November, San Lorenzo Dorsino (TN) hosts the Sagra della Ciuìga, a celebration of the typical Trentino salami made with pork and turnips, today a Slow Food presidium. The village comes alive with food stands, local crafts, tastings and cultural walks. On Friday 1 November, the Rotari Mezzacorona winery will open the wine route “Wine experience in the Dolomites”which will accompany visitors to discover the best wines of the Piana Rotaliana Königsberg. On Sunday 3 November the tastings at Cantina De Vigili close four days dedicated to authentic Trentino flavors and wine excellence.
MeleMiele Festival in Baceno (VB)
In the picturesque village of Baceno (VB), immersed in the autumn colors of Verbano Cusio Ossola, the 32nd edition of the Sagra MeleMiele from November 1st to 3rd. The event celebrates the excellence of the Upper Piedmont area, in particular apples and honey, produced according to traditional and environmentally friendly methods. The center of the event is a large open-air exhibition-marketwhere you can taste not only fruits and honey, but also other typical mountain products. An opportunity not to be missed to discover the genuine cuisine of these lands, immersed in a natural context of rare beauty.
RossoBarbera in Costigliole d’Asti (AT)
From 1 to 4 November, with RossoBarbera the Castle of Costigliole d’Asti transforms into largest tasting stand dedicated to Barbera. With over 200 wineries and 400 labels to discover, the event offers an immersive experience among the Langhethe Roero and Monferrato, during which enthusiasts will be able to participate in tastings led by sommeliers from AIS Piemonte and workshops dedicated to wine. Don’t miss the Mercatino della Rocca, the Barbera Academy and the Barbera Forever exhibition, which tells the story of the vine through its most iconic vintages. Gastronomy will also be the protagonist, with gourmet pairings of local products of high quality. To facilitate access to the RossoBarbera event, buses will be available with departures from Turin, Milan and Genoa.
“It’s Autumn, it’s Taragna!” in Spirano (BG)
Even on the All Saints weekend, Spirano (BG) celebrates autumn with polenta Taragna, the absolute protagonist at the Palaspirà. The tasty dish, based on corn flour and buckwheat, is prepared with skill and served with stews and braised meats. The event also includes musical evenings, local product markets and many activities for the little ones. Special guest of this 10th edition will be “The Orobie cutting board”a selection of cheeses from the Bergamo valleys. The 2024 edition will also have a solidarity purpose with support for the Agreo Cooperative, which promotes the employment of people in fragile situations.
International Alba White Truffle Fair (CN)
As has been tradition for decades, from October to December Alba (CN) hosts one of the most prestigious gastronomic events in Italy: the International White Truffle Fair. And the weekend of November 1-3 will also be dedicated to the celebration of the precious tuber magnate Picowith the World Truffle Market, where you can purchase high quality specimens. The event also includes cooking shows with internationally renowned chefs, seminars and tastings of fine wines. An unmissable experience for lovers of truffles and excellent cuisine, immersed in the evocative landscape of the Langhe.
Volterragusto in Volterra (PI)
In Volterra (PI), one of the jewels of Tuscany, Volterragusto takes place from 1 to 3 November, combining culture, history and gastronomy. In conjunction with the White Truffle and Food Exhibition typical products of the Alta Val di Cecinathe Tuscan village becomes the ideal destination for lovers of good food. In addition to the possibility of tasting local excellences such as cheeses, cured meats and wines, visitors will be able to attend the traditional Palio dei Cacia competition that mixes tradition and fun. Between historic courtyards and medieval squares, Volterragusto offers a unique experience, between authentic flavors and folkloristic shows.
XXII Chestnut Festival in Vallerano (VT)
The charming village of Vallerano (VT), in the heart of the Tuscia area of Viterbo, comes alive on 2 and 3 November for the XXII Chestnut Festival, which celebrates the queen of autumn with a program full of events for adults and children. Guided tours in the woods and the village, popular games, peasant breakfasts and grape pressing are just some of the activities that will make this edition special. Unmissable roasted chestnuts and a glass of hot wine to warm the atmosphere among the ancient streets of the town. The festival is a tribute to the local agricultural tradition, with tastings in the open cellars and dishes specifically designed to enhance the Vallerano chestnut.
Sibillini in Pink in Montedinove (AP)
On 2 and 3 November, Montedinove (AP), in the heart of the Ascoli hinterland, celebrates the 14th edition of “Sibillini in Rosa”, an unmissable event for lovers of typical products and local gastronomy. The absolute protagonist is the pink apple, Slow Food presidiumwith its nutritional properties and great versatility in the kitchen. On Saturday 2 November, a morning meeting at the Pink Apple Museum will delve into the unique qualities of this ancient fruit. The celebration will culminate on Sunday afternoon with the performance of the flag-wavers of the Quintana of Ascoli Piceno and a cooking show by the Orso brothers. Food stands and performances by street artists will enliven the historic center, offering visitors the opportunity to taste typical seasonal dishes.
XXIII Saffron Market Exhibition of Cascia (PG)
From 31 October to 3 November, the Umbrian village of Cascia (PG) hosts the XXIII Saffron Market Exhibition, dedicated to “red gold”, which sees the historic center transformed into a stage of flavors and aromas. The numerous stands offer it for sale saffron local, cultivated with care and passion. While between tastings, show cooking and workshopsvisitors will be able to discover the numerous culinary applications of this precious spice. There will be no shortage of moments of entertainment with music and shows.
Chestnut Festival in Sante Marie (AQ)
From 1 to 3 November, the ancient Abruzzo village of Sante Marie (AQ) welcomes the 51st edition of the Chestnut Festival, one of the longest-running events in Abruzzo with a rich program of tastings, shows and walks. The ancient cellars of the town will be transformed into taverns where it will be possible to taste typical dishes such as kebabs and polenta, accompanied by mulled wine and traditional chestnut-based desserts, for a journey through local flavours, with moments of entertainment designed for the whole family.
Strazzata festival in Castel Lagopesole of Avigliano (PZ)
From 1 to 3 November, Castel Lagopesole (PZ) hosts the renowned Sagra della Strazzata, dedicated to Lucanian focaccia with pepper in the dough, stuffed with cured meats, cheeses and other delicacies. Between falconry shows, craft markets and live music, the village fills with life. The food stands will offer typical dishes such as provolone impiccato and cod with bran peppers, but the real protagonist will still be the Strazzata. Every day will be enriched by walks in the woods of Frederick IIconcerts and performances by street artists, for a weekend full of taste and fun.