Festa 'd Margun (Vianda Festival)

The Festa 'd Margun: At the heart of Biella's peasant traditions

The Festa 'd Margun is a winter tradition that brings the village of Margone, in the municipality of Muzzano (Biella province, Piedmont), to life every February. The name itself is a nod to the village: "Margun" is the local Piedmontese dialect term for Margone, a hamlet gathered around the Piazza Alpini d'Italia and its historic oratory. This is one of those quintessential village festivals that preserves the soul of the community, blending simple, rustic cuisine with devotion and conviviality.

Vianda and büseca: Flavors of the past

The stars of the day are two iconic dishes from the Biella countryside. Vianda is a traditional soup made with rice, chestnuts, and milk—a recipe born from the subsistence economy of the pre-Alpine valleys, where chestnuts were a vital food source during the cold winter months. Büseca is the famous Piedmontese tripe, slow-cooked to perfection as the ultimate winter comfort food. Both dishes are served in the village square, welcoming everyone to join in the celebration.

Devotion and community at the Margone Oratory

The festival maintains a deep connection to the village's religious roots. The day begins with mass celebrated at the Oratory of the Purification of Mary, a sacred building dating back to the late 17th century that defines the identity of the hamlet. Held in early February, the festival coincides with the Feast of the Purification of Mary (Candlemas, February 2nd), to which the oratory is dedicated, beautifully weaving together the liturgical calendar and the traditions of rural life.

A village festival organized by the Pro Loco

The Pro Loco of Muzzano manages every detail of the event, keeping this deeply rooted tradition alive. Following the distribution of vianda and büseca in the square, the festivities continue with a convivial lunch at the Centro Incontri on Via Rivetti, open to friends and supporters of the Pro Loco by reservation. The Festa 'd Margun is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Biella region, far from the usual tourist trails, where the table serves as a bridge between generations.