Cannero Riviera Citrus Festival
The citrus festival of Lake Maggiore
About Cannero Citrus Festival
A citrus grove suspended over Lake Maggiore
Few would imagine that in Cannero Riviera, a small town in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province overlooking Lake Maggiore, oranges, lemons, citrons, and other citrus plants thrive—varieties that usually grow only much further south. It is the lake's mild microclimate, protected by the Alps, that makes this small botanical miracle possible. The Cannero Riviera Citrus Festival was created to showcase and celebrate this unique tradition, turning the Piedmontese village into a vibrant, widespread festival dedicated to the most sun-drenched fruit of the Mediterranean for over a week.
A widespread event for all the senses
The heart of the event is the main exhibition held in the Sala Pietro Carmine, in the Lido area, where dozens of specimens grown in local gardens are displayed. However, the exhibition is just the beginning: during the two weekends, the public can visit private gardens that are usually closed, admire the landscape installation that colors the promenade and beach, take part in catamaran mini-cruises on the lake, and join guided tours and nature excursions through the citrus groves.
The program weaves together art, nature, and culture: photography exhibitions, botanical displays, multisensory workshops, concerts, meetings with experts, and tastings of citrus-based products. Numerous collaborations with local entities, from schools to local associations, make the festival an authentic community project.
Citrus flavors and traditions
- Citrus-themed menus in local restaurants
- Tastings of artisanal jams, sweets, and liqueurs
- Aperitifs and snacks with a citrus scent
- Market exhibition of local agri-food products
A village to discover
The event is also the perfect opportunity to discover Cannero Riviera out of season, with its narrow alleys, the lakeside promenade, and the famous Castelli di Cannero, the fortresses emerging from the lake's waters. Promoted by the Municipality of Cannero Riviera, the festival contributes to the seasonal extension of tourism on Lake Maggiore, offering one more reason to visit this corner of Piedmont as winter draws to a close.
Cannero Citrus Festival — edition 2026
The nineteenth edition, inaugurated on Saturday, February 28, at 10:30 AM in the Sala Pietro Carmine at the Lido, had red as its central theme in all its shades, symbolizing pigmented oranges and femininity. The festival concluded on March 8, on the occasion of International Women's Day, with a tribute dedicated to women.
Between exhibitions, botanical displays, art installations, excursions, and musical moments, the edition confirmed Cannero Riviera's vocation as the citrus capital of Lake Maggiore, involving schools, associations, and local entities.
Programme Cannero Citrus Festival 2026
Exhibitions
- Rhapsody in Red — Sala Pietro Carmine, Lido (Feb 28-Mar 1, Mar 7-8, 10:30 AM-6 PM): dozens of locally grown specimens, with red as a natural pigment and symbol of femininity.
- Citrus Wrappers: 100 Years of History and Costume — Parish House (10:30 AM-5 PM): selection from the Romana Gardani collection (over 45,000 pieces).
- Citrus Art — "Castelli di carta" Library: creative projects by students of the Ferrini Franzosini Art High School.
- Unexpected Citrus — Portici Residence Hapimag: photography exhibition by the Cannerobiettivo collective.
Gardens and installations
- Opening of private gardens during the two weekends (9:30 AM-5 PM).
- Orange 5.0 — landscape installation with colored spheres along the promenade and beach (Feb 28-Mar 8).
Visits and excursions
- Bilingual guided tour: Monday to Friday, March 2-6, 2:30 PM (5€ adults, free under 12).
- Nature excursions: Sunday, March 1 (Ronchè) and March 8 (Cassino-Ponte), 9:45 AM-12:30 PM.
- "Citrus in Rhyme" catamaran mini-cruises: 11 AM (8€ adults, 5€ children 4-12).
Concerts and shows
- Feb 28, 9 PM — "Guardians of Green", a scenic narration on the female history of citrus.
- Mar 1, 3 PM — Martina Nifantani, classical harp, Villa Zanetti.
- Mar 7, 9 PM — La Bricolla Choir, St. George's Church.
- Mar 8, 3 PM — Duo LunaVi, Villa Zanetti, tribute to women.
Workshops, meetings, and tastings
- Multisensory workshop "Let's immerse ourselves in red" — Robert Hollman Foundation (2:30 PM-5:30 PM).
- Cultural meetings with Slow Food Verbano and Cusio and industry experts.
- "AmaRosso": artisanal liqueur tasting with Cinzia Ferro (Mar 8, 4 PM, by reservation).
- Culinary experiences: chocolatey citrus, aperitifs and snacks with a citrus scent, tea room.
Highlights Cannero Citrus Festival 2026
Prices Cannero Citrus Festival 2026
Practical information — Cannero Citrus Festival
How to get there
Cannero Riviera is located on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, along the SS34 state road. It is accessible by car from Verbania and Cannobio; during the event, parking is limited and paid, so public transport is recommended.
Public transport
Boats of the Navigazione Lago Maggiore (from Luino and Cannobio) and buses of VCO Trasporti (from Verbania Intra and Cannobio).
Admission
Exhibitions and initiatives are free of charge, unless otherwise indicated. Mini-cruises and the bilingual guided tour are paid; some tastings require mandatory booking.
Information
Cannero Riviera Tourist Office, tel. +39 0323 788943, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Cannero Citrus Festival
Sala Pietro Carmine
Sala Pietro Carmine, Località Lido, 28821 Cannero Riviera