Ciciufestival
A long weekend of nature, sport, music, and markets at the Ciciu del Villar
About Ciciufestival
The festival of the "stone mushrooms"
Ciciufestival is the event that transforms the small town of Villar San Costanzo, at the entrance to the Maira Valley in the Province of Cuneo, into a large, vibrant stage every June. The festival takes its name from the ciciu, the spectacular "stone mushrooms" of the Ciciu del Villar Nature Reserve: curious earth columns topped by boulders, shaped by centuries of erosion, which make this corner of Piedmont a unique geological site.
A long weekend of sport, nature, and culture
Organized by the Pro Villar Tourist Association, Ciciufestival spans four days and offers a rich, diverse program that blends sports, nature, and music. Recurring activities at each edition include:
- Ciciu Block: the bouldering gathering among the boulders of the Reserve, one of the most anticipated events for enthusiasts;
- paragliding gathering hosted by the Para Delta Club Cuneo;
- guided hikes in the Reserve and along the Maira river path, led by nature guides;
- guided tours of the San Costanzo al Monte Abbey, its crypt, and the Chapel of San Giorgio;
- craft and food markets (Ciciu Mercatini) along the town streets;
- street food, pizza, and refreshment points throughout the event.
Live music: the Spazio Libero Music Festival
The musical heart of the event is the Spazio Libero Music Festival, featuring evening concerts and DJ sets ranging from singer-songwriter tributes and blues to soul and folk nights. The evenings combine music, good food, and the informal atmosphere of a village festival in an exceptional natural setting.
Who is Ciciufestival for?
Thanks to the variety of offerings and the largely free admission, Ciciufestival is an event for everyone: families with children, who will find creative workshops, magic shows, pony rides, and treasure hunts; sports enthusiasts, drawn by climbing, paragliding, and hiking; and curious visitors eager to discover one of the most unique natural heritages in Piedmont. It is a showcase for the Maira Valley and the entire Cuneo area.
Ciciufestival — edition 2026
The 14th edition of Ciciufestival will be held in Villar San Costanzo from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, 2026. Four days of events spread between the Ciciu del Villar Nature Reserve and the town center, featuring climbing, paragliding, guided hikes, concerts, street food, and craft and food markets. Organized by the Pro Villar Tourist Association. Admission to the events is largely free.
Programme Ciciufestival 2026
Saturday, June 20
- From 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM — Ciciu Block, 9th bouldering gathering among the boulders of the Reserve (pre-registration recommended);
- Afternoon — paragliding gathering hosted by the Para Delta Club Cuneo;
- From evening — pizza, street food, and Spazio Libero Music Festival with Alessio De Stefanis (Fabrizio De André tribute), The Newton Family (blues), and Samoo J.W. Spallitta with guests for the Torino Soul Night.
Sunday, June 21
- From 9:00 AM — Ciciu Mercatini craft and food markets along the town streets, with the Ciciu Trenino shuttle service;
- Morning — shows for children (magician), pony rides, creative workshops;
- From 12:00 PM — street food at the Reserve;
- Afternoon — free guided tours (San Costanzo al Monte, crypt, Chapel of San Giorgio), treasure hunt for children, nature hike in the Reserve (by reservation), equestrian shows by the Merens Horse Breeders Association, DJ set with DJ Remo, and Gran Concerto Occitano in the afternoon.
The full program and updated times are published on the official Pro Villar channels (Facebook and Instagram @provillar) and on www.provillar.it.
Highlights Ciciufestival 2026
Prices Ciciufestival 2026
Practical information — Ciciufestival
Getting there
Villar San Costanzo is located at the entrance to the Maira Valley, along the provincial road connecting Dronero to Busca, in the Province of Cuneo. By car, it is easily reached from Cuneo (about 25 km) and Saluzzo. The nearest train station is in Cuneo, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Admission and tickets
Most Ciciufestival activities are free and open to the public. Some offerings (lunches in the park, running dinners, specific excursions) may require booking or a small contribution. It is recommended to check details on official channels.
Information and contacts
Pro Villar Tourist Association, Piazza Giovanni Giolitti 1, Villar San Costanzo (CN). Town Hall Tel. +39 0171 902087. Program and updates on www.provillar.it and on social media channels Facebook and Instagram @provillar.
Tips
For activities in the Ciciu del Villar Nature Reserve, hiking shoes and clothing suitable for a hilly path are recommended (the Reserve ranges between 650 and 950 meters above sea level). During the weekend, a free parking area for tents and campers is available near the Reserve.
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Where does it take place — Ciciufestival
Riserva Naturale dei Ciciu del Villar
Via Ciciu 43, 12020 Villar San Costanzo