Cantè j'Euv der Roche
The ancient egg-begging tradition comes alive with songs and flavors of the Roero in Montaldo Roero
About Cantè j'Euv der Roche
A tradition revived in the heart of the Roero
The Cantè j'Euv der Roche is an event that every spring brings back one of the oldest customs of the Piedmontese countryside: the egg-begging. It takes place in Montaldo Roero, a small town perched on the ridge of the Rocche, in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of the Piedmontese Roero. It is a festival that speaks the language of the land, made of songs in the Piedmontese dialect, accordions, guitars, and banquet tables.
What is the Cantè j'Euv?
The «Cantè j'Euv» — literally «singing for eggs» — is a Lenten custom rooted in the farming communities of southern Piedmont: Langhe, Roero, Monferrato, Alessandrino, and the Acquese area. In the days leading up to Easter, groups of young people would go from house to house and farm to farm, singing under windows and asking for fresh eggs as a wish for new life and a good harvest. The collected eggs were then used for the festive Easter meals. Today, that tradition is renewed as a great community festival, capable of attracting thousands of visitors.
A widespread festival across the Roero
The Cantè j'Euv der Roche is not just a festival for one town, but an authentic choral celebration of the entire region: more than ten Pro Loco associations and volunteer groups from the Roero enliven the evening with their stands. This collective participation represents what locals call the very essence of «Roerinità»: a deep bond with one's roots that looks confidently to the future, entrusted above all to the younger generations who learn and carry on the songs.
Music, songs, and local flavors
The heart of the event lies in the groups of singers in costume and folk music enthusiasts who perform through the town center, alternating ancient begging songs with traditional Piedmontese melodies. Alongside the music, the great protagonist is the food: along the route, you can taste typical Roero dishes — tajarin with meat sauce, agnolotti, raviole, fritùra (friciule), polenta, local cured meats, and homemade desserts — accompanied by Roero DOCG wines and Arneis. For the curious, the evening opens with a workshop dedicated to those who want to learn the songs and discover this ancient custom up close.
When to go
The event traditionally falls during the Lenten period, between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, usually on a Saturday evening. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Roero and experience a folk festival far from the main tourist circuits, amidst hills, vineyards, and the unmistakable landscape of the Rocche.
Cantè j'Euv der Roche — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Cantè j'Euv der Roche was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Montaldo Roero. Due to a landslide that made the square of the San Rocco hamlet church, the historic venue of the event, unusable, the festival was exceptionally moved to the town center, between Piazza Aldo Viglione and Via Umberto I.
The evening opened in the afternoon with a workshop dedicated to the songs and traditions of the egg-begging, before moving into full swing with musical entertainment and food stands. Hundreds of visitors walked through the town streets, which were transformed into a food and wine trail, while the young protagonists, armed with accordions and guitars, carried on the singing tradition. The event was organized by the municipal administration led by Mayor Claudia Rosso, with the support of volunteer associations and the local Pro Loco.
Programme Cantè j'Euv der Roche 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026 — Montaldo Roero (center: Piazza Aldo Viglione and Via Umberto I)
- From 5:00 PM — Workshop on the songs and traditions of egg-begging (with an introduction to ancient folk «laude»)
- From 6:00 PM — Opening of the eleven Pro Loco food stands and musical entertainment through the town streets
- Evening — Itinerant performances by singing groups until late at night
Participating singing groups (11)
- Cantarabel
- Scapà da cà
- La Cricca dij Mes-cià
- Corale Gat Ross
- Gruppo Tre Valli
- La Cricca del Carnevale di Saluzzo
- Gruppo Spontaneo Cantè j'Euv
- Ricki Avataneo
- J'Amis d'la Crica
- Gruppo Isola Verde
- Le Armonie del nost Piemont
Food stands (11 Pro Loco and associations)
Canale, Cinzano, Baldissero d'Alba, Piobesi d'Alba, Pocapaglia, Montaldo Roero, Poirino, Priocca, Guarene, Monteu Roero, and Villa di Verzuolo, offering typical dishes and Roero DOCG wines.
Highlights Cantè j'Euv der Roche 2026
- For the first time, the festival takes place in the town center instead of the San Rocco hamlet
- Eleven singing groups and live Piedmontese folk music
- Eleven Roero Pro Loco food stands with typical dishes and DOCG wines
- Afternoon workshop to learn the begging songs
Prices Cantè j'Euv der Roche 2026
Practical information — Cantè j'Euv der Roche
How to get there
Montaldo Roero is located on the ridge of the Rocche del Roero, in the province of Cuneo. By car, take the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Marene exit) or the A33 Asti-Cuneo motorway, continuing towards Canale and the Roero area. The reference railway station is Bra, on the Turin-Cavallermaggiore-Bra line.
Parking and shuttle
During the event, a free shuttle service operates from the Marenghi / Sports Field parking area to the historic center.
Admission and dining
Admission to the festival is free. Food and wine tastings at the Pro Loco stands are paid for directly at the individual refreshment points. Comfortable clothing and a jacket are recommended, given the evening season.
Contacts
Pro Loco Montaldo Roero — email: [email protected] — tel. +39 333 8394628.
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Where does it take place — Cantè j'Euv der Roche
Piazza Aldo Viglione e Via Umberto I
Piazza Aldo Viglione, 12040 Montaldo Roero