Fera dle Masnà - 1st Claudio Aquilini Memorial

A festival for the little ones returns to Chiusano d'Asti

In the heart of the Val Rilate, in the province of Asti, the small town of Chiusano d'Asti is bringing one of its most beloved events back to life: the Fera dle Masnà, which literally means "children's fair" in the Piedmontese dialect. Twenty years after the last edition in 2006, the festival returns with a fresh look and a touch of emotion, as it is dedicated to the man who first imagined and nurtured it.

The 1st Claudio Aquilini Memorial

This edition marks the first Claudio Aquilini Memorial, honoring the man who conceived the event in 1996 and organized it with passion for ten consecutive years, gifting generations of local children days of play and social connection. Having passed away a few years ago, Aquilini is remembered by Mayor Luigi Bosco as "the creator, the executor, and the organizer of this event." The day aims to blend memory with fun, reconnecting the thread of a tradition that defined the village's life.

A day designed for children

The event is primarily aimed at children aged 6 to 12, but it is designed to involve the whole family. Along the Viale della Rimembranza, a children's market focused on bartering and play comes to life, while creative workshops, shows, and outdoor activities take place throughout the village streets. As the organizers note, the festival "also serves to encourage communication and socialization among children," bringing the little ones back to simple fun, made of shared experiences and games of the past.

Entertainment, traditional games, and heritage

The program weaves the charm of old-fashioned games with plenty of entertainment: from stilt walkers to giant bubble magic, from experiential dog training workshops to pony rides and "saddle baptisms," as well as face painting and creative labs. A spectacular highlight is the parade and performance by the baby flag-wavers of the Palio di Montechiaro, bringing the colors and rhythms of the Asti tradition to the stage. In the afternoon, the festival shifts toward sports, with open sessions of tamburello, basketball, volleyball, and dance.

A community festival

The Fera dle Masnà is organized by the Pro Loco of Chiusano d'Asti with the support of the Municipality and the collaboration of local associations, from US Chiusano to Polisportiva Val Rilate, and the Montechiaro flag-wavers group. It is a prime example of how, even in a small Piedmontese town, the energy of an entire community can revive a tradition dear to everyone.