Corriamo con il Sorriso

A vintage car parade with heart

Corriamo con il Sorriso is an event that, on a spring afternoon in May, transforms the streets of Armeno into a runway of gleaming chrome and classic bodywork. Around fifty vintage cars gather in this village in the Province of Novara, Piedmont, for a parade with a dual purpose: to celebrate the beauty of historic vehicles while supporting a charitable cause.

The route to Mottarone

The highlight of the day is the parade that departs from the center of Armeno and heads towards Mottarone, the mountain separating Lake Orta from Lake Maggiore, long considered one of the most scenic spots in the region. The roads winding through forests and hairpin bends offer spectacular views of both lakes, providing the perfect backdrop for the slow procession of classic cars. Upon their return, the vehicles are displayed in the main square, where the public can admire them up close.

Aperitifs and conviviality

After the parade, crews and visitors gather in the village bars for an aperitif, creating a festive atmosphere that involves the entire Armeno community. It is the most social moment of the day, where a shared passion for engines becomes an opportunity for enthusiasts, curious onlookers, and locals to meet and mingle.

The charitable cause

Corriamo con il Sorriso is more than just a vintage car rally: the event was born with a philanthropic goal, supporting volunteer organizations and hospital clowns—figures who bring smiles to those facing difficult times. It is from this spirit that the initiative takes its name, an invitation to drive, yes, but always with a smile.

Armeno, a village between two lakes

The event is also a perfect opportunity to discover Armeno, a town of just over two thousand inhabitants nestled in the hills above Lake Orta, at the foot of Mottarone. A historic stop along the ancient routes to Switzerland, the village is home to the Romanesque parish church of Santa Maria Assunta and the unique Museum of Hospitality, dedicated to the memory of the emigrants from Armeno who shaped the history of the hospitality industry across Europe. A charming setting for a day that blends motoring, scenery, and solidarity.