Chestnut Festivals of Gazzola

The Castagnate di Gazzola

The Castagnate di Gazzola are among the most cherished autumn events in Val Luretta, the hilly area of the Municipality of Gazzola, in the province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna). As the days grow shorter and the woods turn yellow and russet, the chestnut returns to centre stage: the Pro Loco of Gazzola enlivens the piazza with braziers of caldarroste, food stands, and a convivial atmosphere that has drawn families, hikers, and gourmands from the Piacenza area for years.

Two festivals, one star

Gazzola's unique feature is offering two distinct chestnut festivals, on two Sundays in October and in two different locations within the Municipality: the first in the hamlet of Momeliano, a village perched on the hills, and the second in the main town of Gazzola, in Piazza del Comune. A double opportunity to discover different corners of the valley and to experience the chestnut festival twice, always with the warmth and hospitality typical of the small communities in the Piacenza Apennines.

Autumn flavours in the piazza

The heart of the day is the caldarroste, roasted on the spot and served hot, but the chestnut festival table is much richer. Among the stands, you'll find:

• Polenta with sauce or cheese;
• Sausage sandwiches grilled;
• Traditional autumn desserts;
• Wine from the Colli Piacentini and hot drinks.

Lunch generally starts around noon and continues throughout the afternoon, with the piazza remaining lively until the evening.

A festival for the community

More than just a gastronomic event, the Castagnate di Gazzola are a moment of gathering for the Val Luretta community. The Pro Loco of Gazzola, along with volunteers, takes care of every detail of the organisation, from cooking the chestnuts to welcoming visitors. The event is part of a municipal calendar rich with over twenty annual events, ranging from village festivals to cultural and sports festivals, a sign of the vibrancy of a small municipality in the Piacenza Apennines.

The territory

Gazzola is located in the hills separating Val Luretta from Val Trebbia, in a landscape of vineyards, chestnut groves, and ancient villages. A visit to the chestnut festivals is the ideal opportunity to discover the flavours and peasant traditions of this corner of Emilia-Romagna, just a few kilometres from Piacenza and the main wine routes of the Colli Piacentini.