Ferragosto Antique Market

A Ferragosto of Antiques and Tradition

The Ferragosto Antique Market is one of the most anticipated summer events in Castelnuovo Don Bosco, a town in the Province of Asti nestled in the hills of the Monferrato region, in Piedmont. Every August 15th, the streets and squares of the historic center fill with over 200 stalls dedicated to antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, second-hand finds, and the creativity of local artisans.

The Festival Streets

The exhibition winds through the heart of the village, covering Piazza Dante, Viale Regina Margherita, Via Dei Rivalba, Via Seglie, Via Viglione, and Piazzale Piemonte, with ample parking available in Piazza Italia and along Viale Europa. The stalls remain open from dawn until dusk, offering curious visitors, collectors, and enthusiasts a full day of hunting for furniture, prints, ceramics, antique books, coins, and small treasures from the past.

Part of the San Rocco Festival

The market is not an isolated event: it is the centerpiece of the San Rocco Festival, the village's major mid-summer patronal feast. The Ferragosto holiday coincides with the Solemnity of the Assumption, celebrated with Holy Mass at 11:00 AM at the Madonna del Castello sanctuary. Popular devotion continues in the evening with a procession and the recitation of the Rosary, in a blend of spirituality, tradition, and social life typical of Monferrato villages.

Gastronomy and Music

The convivial heart of the day is the food and wine area: the Pro Loco stand on Viale Regina Margherita offers grilled dishes and traditional Piedmontese specialties for lunch (from 12:30 PM) and dinner (from 7:30 PM). They are joined by local restaurants and the Enoteca Regionale di Albugnano stand, showcasing local wines such as Malvasia and Freisa. The evening concludes with music, as ballroom dancing in Piazza Dante keeps residents and visitors entertained until late at night.

A Village to Discover

Visiting the Antique Market is also the perfect opportunity to discover Castelnuovo Don Bosco, the birthplace of figures linked to Salesian history and a gateway to the lower Asti Monferrato, a land of vineyards, food festivals, and rural traditions. As a major attraction that kicks off the town's outdoor event season, the market draws thousands of visitors every year from across the Province of Asti and neighboring areas of Piedmont.