Festival of Knowledge – La Cisrà

La Cisrà, a living heritage of Lanzo Torinese

In the historic center of Lanzo Torinese, the main town of the Valli di Lanzo in the Metropolitan City of Turin (Piedmont), La Cisrà stands as one of the most beloved and iconic gastronomic traditions of the area. It is an ancient soup made from chickpeas, enriched with tripe and vegetables according to the Piedmontese recipe, which every year draws food lovers and history enthusiasts to the town to celebrate a tradition spanning nearly three centuries.

A festival born from an act of solidarity

The history of La Cisrà dates back to 1728, when Giuseppe Allemano, a merchant originally from Viù but living in Lanzo, left a bequest in his will to feed the poor at least once a year, explicitly requesting "the purchase and distribution of chickpeas seasoned for the poor." From that act of charity, the tradition of preparing and distributing La Cisrà for free to the population was born and has never been interrupted. To this day, the spirit of solidarity remains the heart of the event, supported by local associations and volunteers.

The overnight preparation

The charm of La Cisrà also lies in its preparation ritual. At the Casa dei Ceci on Via Cottolengo, the soup is slow-cooked for an entire night: a vigil during which stories of the past are shared, the cooking site is visited, and the anticipation for the main event builds. On Sunday morning at dawn, La Cisrà is blessed before being distributed to residents and visitors, often in traditional containers brought from home.

Part of the Festival of Knowledge

Starting in 2026, the La Cisrà event opens the calendar of the Festival of Knowledge, the widespread cultural festival promoted by the Unione Montana Valli di Lanzo, Ceronda e Casternone. Conceived as "an open book made of people, traditions, art, nature, identity, and community," the festival involves fifteen municipalities with events spread from May to September, highlighting the tangible and intangible heritage of the valleys. La Cisrà of Lanzo is the first stop on this journey through the region's wisdom.

Why you should attend

• Taste an authentic, free recipe that has been alive for nearly 300 years.
• Discover the Casa dei Ceci and the ritual of the overnight preparation.
• Experience the historic center of Lanzo with its open museums, entertainment, and folk traditions.
• Take part in a festival that blends gastronomy, historical memory, and solidarity.