Festa dei Cuion

The Festa dei Cuion: irony and music in the heart of Gropparello

The Festa dei Cuion is one of the most beloved summer events in the Piacenza Apennines. It takes place along the tree-lined avenue of Via IV Novembre, in the center of Gropparello, a small municipality in the Province of Piacenza, in Emilia-Romagna. For three consecutive evenings, usually spanning the end of July and the beginning of August, the town doubles its population: in recent editions, the festival has exceeded three thousand attendees over three days.

Much more than a musical event

Born from the idea of Federico "Chicco" Maggi, the historical soul of the event who passed away prematurely in December 2023, the Festa dei Cuion is now carried on by about seventy volunteers of all ages united in the Promis Gruparel association. It is a social and cultural project before even being a concert lineup: a village festival built entirely on volunteer work, which grows each year and brings together different generations and territories.

Concerts, comedy, and live podcasts

The program alternates between national artists, emerging groups, comedians, and live podcast recordings directly from the stage. Recent editions have featured names like Meganoidi, AmbraMarie, Cecco e Cipo, and Cosmonauti Borghesi, as well as disco nights with Radio Malvisi Live and DJ sets until late at night. The days become true musical marathons, with entertainment and dancing that continue well past midnight.

The "Cuion of the Year" award

The distinctive feature of the festival is self-irony, celebrated with the iconic award ceremony for "Cuion of the Year": a humorous recognition given to those who, during the year, have been responsible for the most memorable gaffe within the community. In a recent edition, the award went to the Promis board itself, "guilty" of having set up the Christmas market stalls just before a heavy snowfall that caused their collapse.

Piacenza's gastronomic tradition

Every evening, the food stalls open around 7:30 PM, offering the great classics of Piacenza cuisine: pisarei e fasò, tagliolini with truffle, pulled pork, bruschetta, grilled meat, artisanal desserts, and ice cream, with attention also paid to different dietary needs.

A festival with a charitable heart

The Festa dei Cuion maintains a strong charitable mission, in line with the spirit of its founder: part of the Promis Gruparel's initiatives support local projects and associations engaged in charitable work. It is this blend of music, laughter, and commitment that makes it an identity-defining event for Gropparello and the entire Val Vezzeno.