Forni Narranti
Stories of bread, culture, and community in the hamlets of Valle Varaita
About Forni Narranti
A widespread festival centered on bread
Forni Narranti is the cultural festival of Venasca, a town in the Valle Varaita in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of the Occitan Piedmont. The common thread is bread, understood not just as food, but as a symbol of culture, sharing, and the collective memory of Alpine communities. It is a widespread festival: events unfold between the town square, the public library, the old town hall, and above all, the mountain hamlets (borgate), where ancient communal ovens that once marked the rhythm of village life are brought back to life.
Between walks, lit ovens, and culture
The program alternates between diverse experiences: guided walks to the hamlets with the lighting of communal ovens and tastings of Valle Varaita bread products, concerts, photography exhibitions, conferences with anthropologists and historians, animated readings for children, and theatrical and circus performances. Each stop tells a story about bread and the territory, from peasant rituals to the daily gesture of kneading.
A growing event
Launched in 2025 as an autumn review, the event has expanded into a more structured program, featuring a spring section and a major festival in autumn. Forni Narranti is promoted by the Municipality of Venasca together with the AFP Development Agency, with the support of the Fondazione CRC, the Fondazione CRT, and the Piedmont Region, in collaboration with the Public Library and the local Pro Loco of Venasca.
Why it's worth visiting
- Rediscover the ancient communal ovens of the Alpine hamlets, relit for the occasion.
- Guided walks through the Valle Varaita landscape, between nature and Occitan tradition.
- Music, theater, exhibitions, and circus arts featuring local artists and guest performers.
- Almost all events are free of charge.
Forni Narranti — edition 2026
The second edition of Forni Narranti in Venasca is divided into two parts: a spring section (May-June 2026) and a major autumn festival, the dates of which will be announced later. The spring part brought the public back to the hamlets of Valle Varaita, with the relighting of ancient communal ovens, music, photography, and circus arts. The autumn program will revolve around four major themes: ritual, rhythm, symbol, and history.
Programme Forni Narranti 2026
May 23, 2026 — Walk to Borgata Goria
- 2:30 PM — departure from the church of Peralba, short route suitable for everyone with nature guides.
- Lighting of the ancient communal oven by the Pro Loco of Venasca.
- Traditional and Occitan music with Balacanta (accordion and hurdy-gurdy).
- Tasting of Valle Varaita bread products (contribution 5 euros, mandatory booking).
June 5-7, 2026 — Concert and photography exhibition
- Friday, June 5 at 8:00 PM — concert by students and teachers of the Venasca Music Institute under the Ala di Piazza Caduti.
- Friday, June 5 at 8:45 PM — inauguration of the exhibition of digitally animated historical photographs (curated by artist Alice Gallouin) in the old town hall room.
- Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM — free visit to the photography exhibition.
June 20, 2026 — Circus and music under the Ala
- 2:30 PM — circus arts and juggling with Fuma che 'Nduma.
- 5:00 PM — dance and aerial acrobatics show.
- 5:30 PM — street concert by Duo Sciapò (free admission).
Autumn 2026 — The major festival
After the summer break, Forni Narranti will return in autumn with theatrical performances, concerts, meetings, and cultural deep-dives, developed around four themes: ritual, rhythm, symbol, and history. The detailed program will be announced later.
Highlights Forni Narranti 2026
- The relighting of the ancient communal oven of Borgata Goria with Occitan music by Balacanta.
- The exhibition of digitally animated historical photographs in the old town hall.
- The afternoon of circus arts and aerial acrobatics with Fuma che 'Nduma and Duo Sciapò.
Prices Forni Narranti 2026
Practical information — Forni Narranti
How to get there
Venasca is located in Valle Varaita, in the province of Cuneo. By car, it can be reached from Saluzzo via the SP8 road of Valle Varaita; the starting point for town events is usually Piazza Caduti / the Ala di Piazza Martiri. Walks to the hamlets have specific meeting points (e.g., the church of Peralba or Borgata Quaglia).
Admission and bookings
Most events are free of charge. Some walks including tastings require a small contribution and mandatory booking.
Information
Email: [email protected] — Phone: +39 389 2144782 (AFP Development Agency).
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Where does it take place — Forni Narranti
Piazza Caduti e borgate di Venasca