Friendship Festival

A festival of solidarity in the Monferrato hills

The Friendship Festival is a community event held annually in Vigliano d'Asti, a small town in the Province of Asti nestled in the Monferrato hills of Piedmont. Organized by the Pro Loco of Vigliano d'Asti, the event combines the convivial spirit typical of Piedmontese village festivals with a concrete charitable purpose: all proceeds from the day are donated to the local M. Alciati primary school to support its educational programs.

The "Up and Down the Sea Hills" walk

The heart of the festival is the "Up and Down the Sea Hills" walk, an easy 8-kilometer trek suitable for everyone, from children to families. The name is no coincidence: the hills of the Asti region hold traces of an ancient seabed, and the route passes through natural sites linked to local fossil discoveries, such as the famous Emilia Whale and the megalodon. It is a chance to discover the Monferrato hilly landscape and its surprising geological history at a leisurely pace.

The charity lunch

Upon returning from the walk, lunch is served at the Conti Sports Center on Via Boglietto, prepared by the Pro Loco's volunteer chefs. The menu features traditional Piedmontese dishes, from vitello tonnato to lasagna, in the friendly, festive atmosphere that gives the event its name. Participation in the lunch requires a reservation and contributes directly to the school fundraiser.

Entertainment and activities for children

The day is designed with families in mind: throughout the morning, the school children take center stage with performances and games, while the afternoon continues with entertainment, shows, and activities for the little ones, featuring clowns and entertainers. A simple and genuine program that makes the Friendship Festival a beloved appointment for the Vigliano community.

A community tradition

More than just a food festival, the Friendship Festival is an expression of the solidarity identity of the small towns in the Monferrato, where the Pro Loco and volunteers join forces to support the local school and keep the sense of community alive. Nature, traditional gastronomy, and social commitment merge into a day outdoors to be enjoyed together among the hills of the Province of Asti.