Fuori di Zucca

Fuori di Zucca: autumn colors in Santa Maria Maggiore

When autumn descends upon the Val Vigezzo, the village of Santa Maria Maggiore, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, transforms into a triumph of warm colors thanks to Fuori di Zucca, one of the most beloved autumn events in Upper Piedmont. Hundreds of pumpkins of every shape and size are displayed along streets, squares, and in shop windows, creating scenic arrangements that provide the backdrop for an entire weekend of festivities.

A celebration of gardens and flavors

Fuori di Zucca is, first and foremost, a true celebration of autumn gardens and flavors. The gastronomic heart of the event is the Farmers' Market (Mercatino della Terra) in Piazza Risorgimento, where local producers offer seasonal vegetables, fruit, aromatic herbs, alpine cheeses, sweets, and other zero-mile autumn delicacies. Local restaurants participate with themed menus, blending tradition and creativity around the pumpkin, while visitors can enjoy sweet and savory tastings and the essential roasted chestnuts throughout the streets.

Music, art, and entertainment

The program is not just about flavors: during the two days, the village fills with concerts and musical performances, art installations, exhibitions, guided tours, and street games for both adults and children. Recent additions include "Drink&Draw," which combines drawing with social fun. The festival traditionally closes with the amusing auction of pumpkins sold to the "worst offer," a highly anticipated and lighthearted moment.

In the heart of Val Vigezzo

Santa Maria Maggiore, the main town of the Val Vigezzo and a recipient of the Touring Club Italiano's Orange Flag, is a fascinating destination even beyond the festival. Fuori di Zucca falls during the period of the famous Vigezzo foliage: many visitors combine their day in the village with a trip on the scenic Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, which crosses forests ablaze with autumn colors between Italy and Switzerland. The event is organized by the Municipality of Santa Maria Maggiore and admission is free.

Why it's worth visiting

• Hundreds of colorful pumpkins and scenic displays throughout the village
• Farmers' Market with local zero-mile Ossola products
• Sweet and savory pumpkin-based tastings and roasted chestnuts
• Concerts, exhibitions, installations, and street games
• The perfect opportunity to discover the foliage of Val Vigezzo