Alchimia di Beltane – May Day in Vergnasco

A Celtic festival in the Biella region

Alchimia di Beltane – May Day in Vergnasco is the event that transforms the Piazza Battaglione Aosta in Vergnasco, a hamlet of the municipality of Cerrione, into a small Celtic village every May 1st. We are in the eastern Biella region, in the province of Biella and thus in the heart of Piedmont: a quiet corner where the tradition of May Day merges with the symbolism of Beltane, the ancient festival celebrating the arrival of the warmer season.

Beltane and May Day

Beltane is one of the most important dates in the Celtic calendar: it falls between the spring equinox and the summer solstice and marks the moment when nature bursts into life once again. In Italy, this festival has overlapped with Calendimaggio, the popular May 1st celebration found in many regions, from Piedmont to Emilia-Romagna. In Vergnasco, the day recaptures this very spirit: herbs, flowers, scents, craftsmanship, and music to welcome the arrival of summer together.

Market, nature, and crafts

The heart of the event is the craft market, featuring stalls of natural products and handmade goods. It is an opportunity to discover small-scale productions, handmade items, natural remedies, and herbs, in a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to stroll without haste among the stalls set up in the square.

Thematic conferences

The afternoon is dedicated to cultural events, with two themed conferences:

• Healing Herbs, a journey into medicinal plants and their properties;
• Crystal Healing, discovering the symbolic use and charm of crystals.

These in-depth sessions make Alchimia di Beltane more than just a simple fair: it is an opportunity to get closer to Celtic culture and the relationship between humanity and nature.

Celtic music and food area

The day is accompanied by Celtic music, which sets the tone for the entire event, while the food area, managed in collaboration with the local Pro Loco, allows visitors to stop for a delicious break. The event, organized by the Circolo Tavo Burat, is designed for families and those looking for a quiet setting: more relaxed in the morning, more lively in the afternoon.

Why it's worth visiting

Alchimia di Beltane is one of those village festivals that tell the story of a territory's identity: nothing spectacular or oversized, but an authentic day in the green Biella countryside, where popular tradition, Celtic culture, and small-scale craftsmanship meet. With free admission and a family-friendly atmosphere, it is the perfect excuse to celebrate May 1st while discovering a Piedmontese village off the beaten tourist track.