Ciapinabò Festival

The Jerusalem artichoke takes center stage in Carignano

The Ciapinabò Festival is one of the most beloved autumn events in the municipality of Carignano, in the province of Turin, in the heart of Piedmont. Conceived by the local council and the Events Committee in the early 1990s, the festival has now surpassed its thirtieth edition, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually and serving more than 700 kg of Jerusalem artichokes at its various stalls.

The ciapinabò—the Piedmontese dialect name for the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)—is a tuber native to North America. It contains inulin instead of starch, making it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake. In Carignano, however, the ciapinabò is above all a symbol of local identity: it is a fundamental ingredient in the vegetable platter that accompanies bagna caöda, a true cultural heritage of Piedmontese gastronomy.

Rural flavors and traditions

Throughout the weekend, the squares of the historic center transform into a grand culinary trail. At the Isola del Gusto and the various food stalls, you can sample specialties based on the ciapinabò: from Jerusalem artichoke risotto to ciafrit (thin, crispy slices of the tuber), and dishes pairing it with bagna caöda. Alongside the food, a vibrant market brings together local producers, artisans, and regional specialties, ranging from cheeses and cured meats to wines from the Monferrato and Chierese areas.

The cattle show and the transhumance

The heart of the festival is the Local Holstein Cattle Show, set up in Piazza Savoia, featuring parades of the competing livestock, milking demonstrations, and award ceremonies. On Sunday afternoon, the city experiences its most scenic moment with the transhumance of herds through the streets of the center, including Via Umberto I, Piazza Carlo Alberto, and Via Silvio Pellico: a living tribute to the agricultural and farming past of this corner of Piedmont.

A widespread event

In recent years, the festival has expanded its reach with side initiatives such as Cà Ciapin, a space for talks, guided tastings, and show cooking with special guests (including Michelin-starred chefs from the region), and CiapinOff, which takes the Jerusalem artichoke beyond Carignano with events in Turin and participating restaurants. The event is organized by the Municipality of Carignano in partnership with the Events Committee, with the collaboration of the Chierese and Carmagnolese Food District.