Ar'ônga Cunt A' Pich Festival

A festival dedicated to Trecate's signature dish

The Ar'ônga Cunt A' Pich Festival celebrates stuffed duck, the most iconic dish of Trecate, a town in the Western Ticino area of the province of Novara, nestled in the heart of the Piedmontese rice plains. The name in the local Trecate dialect—meaning "the duck with the beak"—refers to a recipe that has been a staple of local family tables for generations, earning it the De.Co. (Municipal Designation), a mark of quality that protects traditional products linked to a specific territory.

A recognized local specialty

Duck has been a staple of local gastronomy for centuries: tender, flavorful, and versatile, it is prepared according to traditional Piedmontese recipes passed down through Trecate households. The festival was created to showcase this culinary heritage and promote the city's agricultural and cultural identity, in an area where rice cultivation and livestock farming have always shaped the local palate.

What to expect

The heart of the event is the grand communal dinner featuring stuffed duck, accompanied by a rich menu of traditional dishes. The event turns into a true village celebration:

• Food stalls and local wine tastings;
• Live music and evening concert;
• Artisan markets;
• Children's area with workshops, games, and entertainment;
• Takeaway options for those who want to enjoy the stuffed duck at home.

A festival with a purpose

Beyond the conviviality, the Ar'ônga Cunt A' Pich Festival also has a charitable goal: funds raised by the Pro Loco Trecate, in collaboration with the City of Trecate, are donated to community projects, including the redevelopment of public spaces such as the historic Villa Cicogna. A young yet well-established event, it draws residents of Trecate and visitors from neighboring towns every September for an appointment with taste, tradition, and popular festivities in Eastern Piedmont.