The highlights of Asti
Events
It’s certainly one of the largest, long-lived and important fairs of Piedmont and beyond. For a whole day all the streets and squares in the center of Asti are occupied by over 600 vendor stands of all kinds, with items to suit all tastes. Advanced tickets are strongly advised because of the large number of visitors from across the province and beyond that are in the city for purchases at the fair. The culmination of this event is Monday evening with a fireworks display over the Tanaro river, and then continues on Tuesday with the feast day dedicated to San Secondo.
The Festival Asti Musica celebrated its 20th birthday in 2016. It takes place in Cathedral Square in Asti and remains one of the most important music festivals in Italy due to it's longevity and quality of the artists. Asti Music Festival is one of the cornerstones of summer in Asti and continues to surprise and delight different audiences. Loved by the city, this festival is a great place to meet the people of Asti, as well as people from all over Italy who flock to this event every year.
The second Sunday of every September, Asti celebrates Douja d’Or, the Festival of Sagre, a day that has been called “The truest representation of country life." More than 40 regions of the province of Asti present their gourmet dishes and DOCG wines, transforming Asti into the largest and most qualified winery of Italy. The colorful procession winds through the streets of the city, driven by more than three thousand characters with authentic period costumes, as well as tractors and farming tools which represent the values and traditions of this magnificent land. In the halls and courtyards of the historic buildings, one can taste hundreds of wines from all regions of Italy accompanied by gastronomic events, conferences, exhibitions and musical performances.
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Over 1200 participants in medieval costumes, twenty-one horses, the city of Asti decorated with flags, and the lucky dinners: these are the ingredients that make the Palio the most awaited event of September. It is not just tradition that excites the city, but also the sincere passion of the locals that celebrate this holiday each year.
The Regional Truffle Fair takes place in November in the historic center of Asti. An extensive program of related events (conferences, tastings, music, etc.) are the corollary to the traditional exhibition of the precious truffle. During the Fair in Asti, one will find an excellent sampling of cuisine and wine.
Dozens of events take place every weekend throughout spring, summer and autumn. Here are some of the usual events that you will enjoy.
Antique Markets
For five Sundays each year, the small town of Cherasco (perhaps better known as the Italian capital of snails and the home of Baci chocolates!) hosts one of Italy's best antiques markets. If that’s not enough for you though, you can always head to Turin where the Gran Balon, the daddy of all antiques markets, takes place on the second Sunday of every month.
Cheese
Organized by Slow Food, Cheese is a festival of, you guessed it, cheese, which takes place every two years in mid-September. For four days, the city of Bra becomes one giant cheese market, with cheeses from around the world available to taste and buy. It’s a real cheese lovers pilgrimage, but don’t worry if cheese isn’t really you’re thing as there is a also wine, craft beer and pizza!
Vinum
The best of the best of Piemontese wine will be on show at the “Grande Enoteca di Langhe e Roero.” A great opportunity to taste the new vintages alongside local foods.
Barbera Festival
The annual celebration of all things Barbera. Expect concerts, street performers, local food and of course countless opportunities to taste some Barbera wine!
Palio degli Asini
The traditional opening event of the White Truffle Festival, this is a hilarious response to Asti’s more traditional Palio, as Alba’s various neighborhoods compete on donkey-back for a year’s worth of bragging rights.
Festa della Pelaverga
A huge party, wine tasting and food event in Verduno, with live music and as much Pelaverga as anyone could hope for!
Collisioni
A music and literature festival which takes over the whole of Barolo. Besides live music on every corner and headlining performances, you will also find talks, panel discussions, exhibitions and wine tastings.