Axa Briga — Celtic Festival

A dive into the Iron Age in the heart of the Canavese

Every early September, the small town of Settimo Rottaro, in the Province of Turin and in the heart of the Piedmontese Canavese, transforms into an authentic Celtic village. Axa Briga is much more than a simple festival: it is a true theme park dedicated to the Bronze and Iron Ages, where historical re-enactment and experimental archaeology come to life in a green area, just a stone's throw from the evocative Lake Viverone.

The name itself tells a story: "Axa Briga" derives from Gallo-Lepontic and roughly means "city of water" or "water of the heights," a direct homage to the lake and the hills surrounding the village. The event is organized by the Camelot ODV Association, which, through the historical group "Pobal ap Vaud" (the "People born of the Heights"), reconstructs with philological rigor the daily life of a Celtic community in the Canavese area between the 5th and 1st centuries BC.

What to experience at Axa Briga

The festival offers a complete and immersive experience, designed for history buffs and families alike. During the days of the festival, the park is populated by re-enactors from all over Italy and comes alive with numerous activities:

• Historical re-enactment of daily life scenes in Celtic encampments
• Experimental archaeology: demonstrations of loom weaving, ancient forging techniques, faithful reproductions of weapons, and combat displays
• Thematic lectures with archaeologists and scholars of Celtic culture and the Salassi people
• Artisan market with products inspired by the ancient world
• Food stalls with period-appropriate food and drinks
• Evening Celtic music concerts on Friday and Saturday
• Games and activities for children, workshops, and educational courses

An event for the entire Canavese region

Sponsored by the Municipality of Settimo Rottaro, Axa Briga is now a recognized fixture in the landscape of Italian Celtic festivals and a precious opportunity to rediscover the proto-Celtic roots of Piedmont. The park, on Via Selva, hosts schools and summer camps throughout the year and becomes, during the festival weekend, a meeting point for thousands of curious visitors.

The great strength of the event is its accessibility: admission is free and camping is free, a choice that allows visitors to fully experience the atmosphere, staying to sleep among the encampments and extending the experience into the night, when the village lights up to the rhythm of Celtic music.