Castagne e Coltelli

An autumn festival in the Cuneo mountains

Castagne e Coltelli is the annual autumn highlight in Frabosa Soprana, a charming town in the Maudagna Valley, in the province of Cuneo, within the Monregalese territory. For an entire weekend in October, the village streets and squares transform into a vibrant trail of taste and tradition, drawing thousands of visitors from neighboring valleys and across Piedmont. Organized by the local Pro Loco, the festival unites two symbols of the village's identity: mountain chestnuts and the ancient craft of knife-making.

Chestnuts: the queen of the Alpine autumn

The undisputed star is the chestnut, a fruit that has always shaped the economy and cuisine of these mountains. During the festival, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the squares, while stalls offer chestnut desserts, mountain honey, alpine cheeses, and traditional local peasant dishes. The local produce markets are the perfect place to discover and take home the culinary excellence of the Monregalese region.

Knife-making and the artisan spirit

The other soul of the event is the handcrafted knife: Frabosa Soprana boasts a long knife-making tradition, now preserved by the "Frabousan ki taiou" association. The knife exhibition brings together artisans and hobbyists from the Cuneo area, who display their blades and demonstrate traditional techniques, keeping alive a craft passed down through generations.

Traditions, music, and nature

Beyond gastronomy and crafts, Castagne e Coltelli offers live music, traditional games, workshops, and guided tours. Among the most evocative experiences are walks to the Marble Ecomuseum, which tells the story of the extraction of the prized local marble—a true geological treasure of this corner of the Maritime Alps. The program is designed for all ages, perfectly blending good food, culture, and mountain landscapes.

A nationally recognized event

In March 2026, Castagne e Coltelli received a significant accolade: the EPLI Quality Mark from the Italian Pro Loco Association, presented in the Sala del Lupa at Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome. This award certifies the organizational quality, the protection of traditional products, and the authenticity of regional promotion, confirming Castagne e Coltelli as one of the most beloved autumn festivals in the province of Cuneo.