The Italian Chestnut Fair, or Fiera Nazionale del Marrone, is held in the city of 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.
Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone) Highlights
Located in the historical downtown of Cuneo, the festival features dozens of stands with food, arts, and crafts. In addition to the exclusively food and wine moments, there will be cooking demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, live music concerts, shows, and cultural performances in the program. Don't miss your chance to try Cuneo delicacies like Valle Varaita ravioli, pancakes, polenta, and fried mushrooms.
Cuneo National Chestnut Fair Events
Among the various events and activities of the fair, guests can visit Coldiretti Educational Farms, musical animation, National Contest of Sweets Chestnut Marroni and Chestnut Flour, Taste Laboratory, Civic Museum of Cuneo, and many others worth attending. Additionally, during the Fair, the gathering of the “Men of the World” (from the famous phrase by Totò) is celebrated. This gathering honors those who did their military service in Cuneo.
Fair History
The Italian Chestnut Fair dates back to the 1930s when Cuneo was considered the capital of chestnut products in northern Italy. However, 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, representing an unmissable opportunity to support local tourism in Cuneo,
Location
Cuneo is about 1.5-hour drive from Turin, so it's a nice weekend getaway.
