Cherry Festival

A tradition spanning over seventy years

The Cherry Festival in Anzola d'Ossola, a small town in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Piedmont, is one of the most deeply rooted events in the Lower Ossola Valley. Founded in 1947 by Carlo Peretti, the festival has been held annually in early June to celebrate the early ripening of local cherries—so much so that Anzola has always been known as "il paìs di cerès", the village of cherries. Over the decades, the event has become a landmark for the entire valley, attracting visitors from Domodossola, Lake Maggiore, and the entire lake district.

The heart of the festival: the cherry

The absolute star is, of course, the Anzola cherry, which ripens earlier than elsewhere thanks to the favorable microclimate. During the festival, you can taste and buy local cherries directly from the producers, as well as rediscover traditional desserts prepared by the community: homemade tarts, semifreddo, granitas, and cherry-based ice creams. It is a great opportunity to get to know a small agricultural excellence of the Ossola Valley and the hard work of the local cherry growers.

Gastronomy and conviviality

The large food stand, set up at the Munariola Sports Field, is the hub of the event. The Pro Loco kitchen offers simple and hearty traditional Ossola dishes:

• Grilled ribs and meats
• Mixed fried food and chips
• First courses, sandwiches, and local specialties
• Beer, cocktails, and the "Ciliegio" aperitif
• Cherry-based desserts prepared by volunteers

The festival continues even in case of rain: the stand features approximately 400 covered seats.

Music, tournaments, and entertainment

The evenings are enlivened by live music and entertainment for all ages, while one of the most anticipated events is the "Cherry Trophy" 5-a-side football tournament, which brings local and neighboring teams to the field in a spirit of healthy competition and friendship. The festival thus maintains its genuine community character, where gastronomic tradition and social life intertwine.

A symbolic event of the Ossola Valley

Organized with passion by the Pro Loco of Anzola d'Ossola, the Cherry Festival is much more than a simple food and wine event: it is a collective ritual that kicks off the Piedmontese festival season and tells the story of a small village tied to its land and its fruits. An authentic experience for those who want to discover the Ossola Valley away from the most beaten tourist paths.