Cherry Festival (with Black Truffle Festival)

The Garbagna Cherry Festival

The Cherry Festival is the most anticipated event of the year in Garbagna, a small village in the Val Grue valley, nestled in the province of Alessandria, in the heart of the Apennine Piedmont. As part of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy network, the town of Garbagna provides a stunning backdrop for a festival that has been celebrating its signature fruit for over half a century.

The Bella di Garbagna, a Slow Food Presidium

At the heart of the event is the Bella di Garbagna cherry, an indigenous variety cultivated in the surrounding hills. Prized for its sweetness and firm, crunchy texture, it was historically sought after for filling the famous 'Boeri' chocolates and for preservation in spirits. Today, it is a recognized Slow Food Presidium, highlighting the deep bond between this agricultural excellence and the village's identity. During the festival, producers from the Garbagna Cherry Consortium offer visitors both fresh fruit and numerous artisanal products.

Flavor and tradition at the food stalls

The Pro Loco food stall opens in the early afternoon, serving traditional dishes: the famous grandmother's minestrone, grilled sausages, and a local specialty, cherries in Timorasso, paired with the prized white wine from the Tortona hills. Along the streets of the historic center, you will also find stalls featuring local food products, handicrafts, and hobbyist creations.

The Black Truffle Festival

Concurrently with the cherry festival, the Black Truffle Festival takes place, organized in collaboration with Derthona Truffle. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover another local treasure and enrich your day with tastings and insights dedicated to summer truffles.

Exhibitions, guided tours, and entertainment

The day offers more than just gastronomy: photography and art exhibitions bring Palazzo Fieschi, the Borro courtyard, and the multipurpose hall to life, while the Librinscena association leads visitors on guided tours to discover the village, its history, and its most picturesque corners. Musical entertainment sets the mood throughout the day, and in the afternoon, there is plenty for children, including face painting, juggling, and ponies from the Silverado Ranch. The day concludes with a rhythmic gymnastics performance by the athletes of A.S.D. Ritmica La Torre.

A village to discover

Attending the Cherry Festival is also a chance to explore Garbagna, a jewel of the Apennine Piedmont, with its square, historic palaces, and the authentic atmosphere of a village that has preserved its traditions. It is the perfect experience for a day trip filled with flavors, culture, and the landscapes of Val Grue.