Cavaglià Youth Festival

A tradition spanning over five centuries

The Cavaglià Youth Festival is an authentic piece of Piedmontese folk heritage. Its roots go back to 1518, the year Duke Charles III of Savoy approved the statutes that officially established this ancient event. With over five centuries of uninterrupted history, it is one of the longest-running village festivals in Italy, reaching its 508th edition in 2026.

The beating heart of the festival is the Youth Festival Committee, made up of about thirty members and numerous collaborators, all volunteers. They are led by the Prior, a role that changes annually: a generational relay that has allowed the tradition to renew itself while keeping its original spirit intact.

Ten days of celebration around Ferragosto

For ten consecutive evenings, during the Ferragosto period, the historic center of Cavaglià comes alive until late at night. The festival traditionally opens with the charming balloon distribution to all attendees, a ritual that kicks off the festivities. From then on, it is a succession of concerts, dance nights with orchestras and bands, entertainment, and social gatherings.

• Live music: dance nights with orchestras, bands, and DJ sets that keep the square lively until late.
• Funfair: rides and attractions for all ages, with promotional discounted nights.
• Food stalls: the true highlight, with a different menu every night.
• Foot race and sports initiatives open to everyone.

Cuisine, the star of the festival

Gastronomy is one of the main reasons why thousands of people flock to Cavaglià every year. Each evening features a different dish, from Piedmontese traditions to the most delicious specialties: panissa (the famous risotto from the Biella-Vercelli area), paella, snails, gnocco fritto, a carbonara party, and themed dinners. There is also a bar service, and in recent editions, technological innovations such as QR code ordering have been introduced to avoid queues.

A festival for everyone, with free entry

The Cavaglià Youth Festival is a completely free event: you only pay for what you consume at the stalls. This welcoming spirit, combined with its centuries-old history, makes it one of the most beloved events in the Biella area and an unmissable summer appointment in the Province of Biella, in Eastern Piedmont.