Foira dla Furtunna (Fortune Fair)

A fair that brings the town out of its shops

The Foira dla Furtunna — literally "Fortune Fair" in the local dialect — is a unique event held in Viù, a small mountain municipality in the Province of Turin, nestled at 775 meters above sea level in the southernmost of the three Valli di Lanzo, in Piedmont. The idea that makes it special is simple and generous: for one day, the town's merchants "step out" of their shops and display their goods — both local specialties and other products — directly along the streets and squares of the town center, transforming the entire village into a large open-air market.

The origins: revitalizing the village

The fair was born in 2023, when the newly formed Viù Merchants Association (ASSOCOM), in collaboration with the Pro Loco and the municipal administration, decided to join forces to breathe new life into the area after the difficult years of the pandemic. The stated goal was to liven up periods of the year usually lacking in events and to introduce residents and tourists to local businesses and specialties. "Being together makes the difference" is the spirit with which the town's small business owners decided to collaborate rather than compete.

What to find at the fair

The program involves the entire town and covers the whole day. Typical offerings of the event include:

• Stalls and display stands from local merchants, featuring typical products and regional specialties;
• Musical entertainment throughout the village streets;
• Food stands to savor the flavors of the Valli di Lanzo;
• Activities and entertainment for children, making the day suitable for families;
• A convivial apericena (aperitif-dinner) to close the day.

Viù and the Valli di Lanzo

Visiting the Foira dla Furtunna is also an opportunity to discover Viù and its alpine setting. The Valli di Lanzo are an still-authentic corner of Piedmont, made of mountains, trails, traditions, and genuine gastronomy. The fair, with its intimate and village-like character, tells this story well: not a large commercial event, but a community celebration where the whole town showcases itself and welcomes visitors.