Alvese Chestnut Festival

The Chestnut Festival in Alvese

The Festa dei Maruni is the grand autumn festival of the hamlet of Alvese, in Nogarole Vicentino, a municipality in the province of Vicenza nestled in the hills between Lessinia and the Chiampo valley. Now in its fortieth edition, it is dedicated to 'maruni brustolà', roasted chestnuts, which give the festival its name and evoke the flavors and warmth of the first cold evenings of the year.

Autumn Flavors and Cimbrian Tradition

Alongside maruni and chestnut cakes, the food stall offers local specialties: fioretta gnocchi — made with milk from the first cheese processing — and potato gnocchi with cimbro sauce, recalling the ancient Cimbrian culture of these mountains. There is also grilled meat with polenta, tripe, and simple traditional Venetian dishes, served under a large covered marquee that ensures the festival goes ahead even in bad weather.

Market, Excursions, and Community

The Festa dei Maruni is not just about food: the program includes an artisan market, excursions and walks to discover the hilly territory, exhibitions, tastings of local products, and entertainment evenings. Organized by the Gruppo Alvese Onlus, the event is a deeply cherished occasion that celebrates the autumn tradition and Venetian culture of this corner of the Vicenza region.