ANA Asti Section Rally and Centenary of the Canelli Alpini Group

The 'penne nere' take center stage in Canelli

From June 11 to 14, 2026, the Municipality of Canelli, in the Province of Asti, served as the heart of the annual rally of the National Alpini Association - Asti Section. The 36th edition of the Section Rally held special significance as it coincided with the centenary of the founding of the Canelli Alpini Group, chaired by Giorgio Tardito: a double anniversary that drew 'penne nere' (black feathers) from across the Asti region and beyond.

A local tradition

Alpini section rallies are among the most cherished events in Piedmontese towns. It is not merely a military re-enactment, but a true community celebration: for a few days, the host cities are filled with feathered hats, mountain songs, and a warm, convivial atmosphere that involves associations, families, and visitors. In Canelli, a Monferrato city famous for its sparkling wine and evocative "underground cathedrals," the festival intertwined Alpini memory with the region's winemaking identity.

Ceremonies, choirs, and the parade

The program unfolded throughout the weekend, featuring the traditional moments that define these rallies: the opening of the event, the gathering of the groups, performances by Alpini choirs and brass bands, commemorative ceremonies with flag-raising and wreath-laying at war memorials, and the solemn Mass. The highlight was reached on Sunday, June 14, with the grand parade of the 'penne nere' through the historic city center.

The city in celebration

To accommodate the influx of participants and allow for the ceremonies, the Municipality of Canelli implemented traffic changes affecting Piazza Zoppa, Piazza Cavour, Via Giovanni XXIII, and Piazza Repubblica, the heart of the event. The festival provided an opportunity to discover Canelli and the hilly landscape of the Asti Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage site, within a setting of widespread public participation.