The Italian Chestnut Fair or Fiera Nazionale del Marrone is held in the city if Cuneo, Piedmont, Northern Itlay, to celebrate chestnut harvest season every October. Being one of the largest fairs in the Piedmont region, it showcases not just chestnuts but the regional cuisine and culture. Located in the historical downtown of Cuneo, the festival features dozens of stands with food, arts, and crafts. There are cooking demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, live music concerts, shows, and cultural performances in the programme. Don't miss your chance to try Cuneo delicacies like Valle Varaita ravioli, pancakes, polenta, and fried mushrooms.
The Italian Chestnut fair dates back to the 1930s when Cuneo was considered the capital of chestnut products in northern Italy, but due to World War II, the idea was abandoned for decades. In 1999, the chestnut festival returned to Cuneo and is currently organized by the local municipality. Every year, about 30,000 kg of chestnuts are eaten each day of the festival. The festival attracts about 100,000 attendees every year.
Cuneo is about 1.5-hour drive from Turin, so it's a nice weekend getaway.
