Friendship Festival in Ronsecco

A festival that unites the town

The Friendship Festival in Ronsecco is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of this small town in the Province of Vercelli, nestled in the heart of the Piedmontese rice-growing plains. Established just a few years ago, it has grown into a staple spring tradition, bringing together residents, families, and friends around a simple yet precious idea: to reconnect, spend time together, and nurture the ties that keep a small-town community alive.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Ronsecco in partnership with the Pro Loco Ronsecco, with the collaboration of the Circolo ACLI, the local Bocciofila, the Parish, the elementary schools, and the Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua association. It is this network of local entities that gives the day its authentic character, defined by spontaneous participation and volunteer spirit.

The heart of the day: the Viri Veri Sanctuary

The symbolic heart of the festival is the Madonna del Viri Veri Sanctuary, one of the most beloved landmarks for the people of Ronsecco. Its origins date back to the late 16th century, built upon a pre-existing 15th-century chapel, and its very name—"Viri Veri," derived from "villa veteris"—tells the long history of this corner of the countryside. The convivial lunch that concludes the festivities takes place around the sanctuary, immersed in the landscape of the rice fields.

Activities for all ages

The day kicks off with a fishing competition reserved for elementary school children, an event designed to involve the younger generation and pass on the festival's spirit. This is followed by the awards ceremony and lunch, offering plenty of opportunities to chat, laugh, and share a meal.

• Fishing competition for elementary school children
• Awards ceremony for participants
• Convivial lunch open to the community

A local event

The Friendship Festival is part of the broader Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua project, a network that promotes the towns of the Vercelli plains linked by the system of irrigation ditches and rice field canals. Participating means not only enjoying a lovely day in good company but also discovering a genuine, rural Piedmont, far from mass tourism circuits, where the tradition of good neighborliness is still a living value.