Calendimaggio
Medieval re-enactment and spring festival in the Alta Langa village
About Calendimaggio
A medieval day in the heart of the Alta Langa
The Calendimaggio in Cerretto Langhe is a historical re-enactment and spring festival that transforms this small village in the Alta Langa, in the province of Cuneo, into a medieval settlement for a day. Amidst stone alleys, flags, noble crests, and period costumes, the event celebrates the return of spring according to an ancient tradition rooted in the 'Calendimaggio' festivities found throughout Italy.
The 800th anniversary of Caterina da Marano
The first edition, held in 2026, focused on a specific historical theme: the 800th anniversary of the birth of Caterina da Marano, wife of Marquis Giacomo Del Carretto and mother of Aurelia, considered the first Lady of Monaco. This noble lineage, which extends to Prince Albert II, established the bond between Cerretto Langhe, an ancient fiefdom of the Del Carretto family, and the Grimaldis of Monaco. Consequently, the village joined the network of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco.
The procession and the 120 participants
The highlight is the historical parade featuring 120 local residents in medieval costume, accompanied by re-enactment groups from various towns in Piedmont and Liguria, including Avigliana, Chivasso, Moncalieri, Turin, Genoa, and Castelnuovo Don Bosco. The day opens in the main square with the flag-wavers of the Borgo Santa Rosalia of Alba, performing their intricate flag and drum routines.
Faith, history, and community
The morning continues with a solemn Mass in the parish church of the Santissima Annunziata, followed by a procession through the historic center. In the afternoon, the Town Hall hosts a historical conference dedicated to Caterina da Marano, the ties between Cerretto Langhe and the Grimaldis of Monaco, and the history of the Marquisate of Gorzegno. The day concludes with a traditional convivial lunch organized by the Pro Loco, a festive moment that brings together residents, guests, and visitors.
An event to discover the Alta Langa
Organized by the Municipality of Cerretto Langhe in collaboration with the Pro Loco, the International Association Regina Elena Odv, and the Borgo Santa Rosalia of Alba, the event is also an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Langhe, away from the main tourist circuits, amidst rolling hills, traditions, and Piedmontese gastronomy.
Calendimaggio — edition 2026
2026 Edition — The Inaugural Year
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Cerretto Langhe hosted its first edition of the Calendimaggio. The day began at 10:15 AM in Piazza Michele Ferrero with a performance by the flag-wavers of the Borgo Santa Rosalia of Alba, followed by a historical parade of 120 locals in medieval costume and re-enactment groups from Avigliana, Chivasso, Moncalieri, Turin, Genoa, and Castelnuovo Don Bosco.
The solemn Mass in the church of the Santissima Annunziata was celebrated by Father Franco Ciravegna, while actor Ettore Cappelli introduced the participants. In the afternoon, at the Town Hall, historian Andrea Carnino held a conference on the figure of Caterina da Marano and the Marquisate of Gorzegno.
The event was attended by Mayor Flavio Borgna, the President of the Piedmont Region Alberto Cirio, over twenty mayors, and Marquis Roberto Giordano Icheri di San Gregorio Del Carretto. The day concluded with a convivial lunch organized by the Pro Loco.
Programme Calendimaggio 2026
Program for May 3, 2026
- 10:15 AM — Piazza Michele Ferrero: Performance by the flag-wavers of the Borgo Santa Rosalia of Alba
- Morning — Historical parade with 120 costumed participants and re-enactment groups from Piedmont and Liguria
- Morning — Solemn Mass in the parish church of the Santissima Annunziata and procession through the historic center
- Afternoon — Historical conference in the Town Hall on Caterina da Marano, the Grimaldis of Monaco, and the Marquisate of Gorzegno (speaker: Andrea Carnino)
- Following — Convivial lunch organized by the Pro Loco
Highlights Calendimaggio 2026
- 800th anniversary of the birth of Caterina da Marano
- 120 local participants in medieval costume
- Flag-wavers of the Borgo Santa Rosalia of Alba
- Re-enactment groups from Piedmont and Liguria
- Historical conference on the ties with the Grimaldis of Monaco
Prices Calendimaggio 2026
Practical information — Calendimaggio
Getting there
Cerretto Langhe is located in the Alta Langa, in the province of Cuneo. By car, it takes about 40 minutes from Alba following the provincial roads towards Bossolasco. The nearest train station is in Alba, from where you can continue by car or local transport.
When
The event takes place on a day in early May. The first edition was held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, starting at 10:15 AM in the main square.
Admission
Access to the event and the re-enactments is free. The final convivial lunch, organized by the Pro Loco, generally requires a reservation.
Tips
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to walk through the stone-paved historic center and checking with the Municipality or the Pro Loco for updated schedules of the various activities.
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Where does it take place — Calendimaggio
Centro storico di Cerretto Langhe