The De.Co. cherry festival of Castegnero, in the heart of the Berici Hills
In Castegnero, a small municipality nestled in the Berici Hills in the province of Vicenza, cherry cultivation is a centuries-old tradition. Here, the "siaresa" โ the dialect name for the fruit โ is much more than an agricultural product: since 2012, the mora di Castegnero siaresa has been recognised as a De.Co. (Municipal Designation) product, alongside other prized varieties such as Giorgia, Moreau, and Padovana. Every year, between late May and early June, the community dedicates the Festa dea Siaresa to it.
The heart of the festival is the renowned food stand in Piazza Mercato, open every evening from 7:00 PM. The menu is a tribute to the region: tortelli with goat cheese and cherries, fettuccine with braised meat with Castegnero cherries, bigoli with ragรน, mixed grills, sopressa vicentina, DOP cheeses with cherry jam, and, of course, artisanal cherry ice cream, all accompanied by DOCG wines from the Berici Hills. During the festival, it is possible to buy zero-kilometre cherries directly from local producers.
Alongside the gastronomy, the Festa dea Siaresa offers a rich calendar of theatrical performances, concerts, dance exhibitions, and a music contest dedicated to young talents, as well as creative workshops and games for children. Organised by the Pro Loco Castegnero in collaboration with the municipal administration, the festival is an opportunity to discover an identity product and the landscape of the Berici Hills, among the most picturesque in the Vicenza area.
For 2026, the Festa dea Siaresa returns to Castegnero, in the Berici Hills, between late May and early June over two weekends, according to the established tradition. The food stand in Piazza Mercato opens every evening from 7:00 PM with signature dishes: tortelli with goat cheese and cherries, fettuccine with braised meat, artisanal cherry ice cream, accompanied by local DOCG wines. The programme also includes theatrical performances, concerts, dance, the music contest for young talents, and activities for children. Detailed dates and programme will be announced by Pro Loco Castegnero on official channels.
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition will be announced by Pro Loco Castegnero on official channels (website and social media) in the weeks preceding the festival. Usual structure of the event, over two weekends between late May and early June:
Castegnero is located in the Berici Hills, south of Vicenza. By car, from the A4 motorway exit Vicenza Est or from the SS247 Riviera Berica; the festival takes place in Piazza Mercato, in the town centre. The nearest train station is Vicenza, followed by bus or taxi.
Free admission. Food stand open every evening from 7:00 PM. Possibility to buy Castegnero cherries directly on site. Updates on dates and programme at www.festadeasiaresa.com and on official social media channels.
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Piazza Mercato, Castegnero (Colli Berici)
Piazza Mercato, 36020 Castegnero