Fienagione a Baudinet

Fienagione a Baudinet: An Alpine Ritual in Valle Pesio

In the alpine valleys of Piedmont, haymaking was not merely agricultural work, but a true ritual that marked the rhythm of summer and rural life. It is this memory that the Fienagione a Baudinet evokes every year in mid-June, in the evocative setting of Borgata Fiolera, in Chiusa di Pesio, in the Province of Cuneo. The event takes place around Rifugio Baudinet, at an altitude of 1,150 meters, in the area above the hamlet, overlooking Frazione Vigna.

A Day of Tradition and Joy

Starting at 11:00 AM, participants can relive the tradition amidst fragrant grass, sharpened scythes, and demonstrations of ancient mountain crafts. There is no shortage of music, with alpine choirs and accordions accompanying the entire day with their repertoire of folk songs. The atmosphere is that of festivals from the past—authentic and convivial, far from the frantic pace of city life.

The Grand Polenta Feast

The convivial heart of the festival is the grand polenta feast, served in a shaded area and organized by the Amici di Sant'Anna group. Lunch is by reservation only and represents a moment of connection for the entire community, bringing together local residents, hikers, and curious visitors who have climbed up here for the occasion.

A Place to Reach at a Slow Pace

The unique feature of Baudinet is that the refuge cannot be reached by car: it can only be conquered after a hike of at least 50 minutes along the trails, or by mountain bike, e-bike, or on horseback. This makes the Fienagione an even more special event, where the journey is part of the celebration and the effort of the climb is rewarded by the panorama and the hospitality of the Cuneo mountains.

Among the Most Characteristic Festivals of Valle Pesio

Considered one of the most cherished early-summer events in Valle Pesio, the Fienagione a Baudinet combines the preservation of peasant traditions with the pleasure of a day in the open air. It is an opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of the alpine Piedmont and to immerse yourself in a world where the gestures, tools, and flavors of the past are still the protagonists.