Fera d'la Tonda — Tonda Apricot Festival of Costigliole Saluzzo

The Fera d'la Tonda, the festival of the summer's queen apricot

In the medieval village of Costigliole Saluzzo, at the foot of the Cottian Alps in the province of Cuneo, summer has a distinct color and scent: that of the Tonda apricot, the native fruit cultivated in the Saluzzo hills since the 19th century, affectionately known here as armugnan. The Fera d'la Tonda is dedicated to this small agricultural treasure, a festival that transforms the historic center every July into a large open-air market, buzzing with stalls, music, and aromas.

A market that tells the story of the land

The heart of the event is the farmers' and artisans' market that winds along Via Vittorio Veneto and the village streets: producers and craftspeople offer the Tonda apricot in all its forms, from fresh fruit to jams, juices, and pastries, alongside the finest food and wine products of Piedmont. It is the perfect opportunity to meet the growers, discover local cooperatives, and take home a zero-kilometer product that symbolizes the rural identity of this land.

Castles open and a village to discover

The Fera d'la Tonda is also an invitation to visit one of the most charming villages in the Saluzzo area. During the day, the town's historic castles and palaces — including Castello Rosso, Palazzo Giriodi, and Castlot Alby — open their doors for special access, with free guided tours of the frescoes and the most hidden corners of the historic center. Art exhibitions, equestrian displays, falconry, Occitan dances, and children's entertainment round out a program designed for the whole family.

Tradition and community

Organized by the Pro Loco of Costigliole Saluzzo with the support of the Municipality, the festival is much more than a gastronomic event: it is a moment for the community to come together, reward those who have excelled in promoting the Tonda, and welcome delegations from other apricot-growing regions. It is an appointment that combines agricultural promotion, culture, and tourism in the heart of the province of Cuneo and Piedmont.