Gargallo Alpine Group Festival

A festival in the heart of the Cusio region

The Gargallo Alpine Group Festival is the June event that brings to life this small town of just over 1,700 inhabitants, nestled at an altitude of about 396 meters in the Novara hills, between Borgomanero and Lake Orta, in the Cusio area. Organized by the Gargallo Alpini Group, part of the Cusio Omegna Section of the National Alpini Association (A.N.A.), the festival is one of the most cherished events on the local calendar.

The spirit of the Alpini

Like all festivals organized by the 'black feathers', the Gargallo Alpine Festival is more than just a social occasion: it is a moment of community and solidarity. The Alpini, with their spirit of service and deep bond with the land, have always been a point of reference for the small towns of Piedmont. The festival raises funds and keeps alive a tradition of volunteering that spans generations, bringing together members, families, and friends under the festival marquees.

Mountain cuisine

The heart of the event is the food. Under the pavilions set up for the occasion, traditional Alpine and Piedmontese dishes are served: polenta, grilled meats, braised dishes, local cured meats, and cheeses, accompanied by wines from the Novara hills. It is the classic formula of a Piedmontese village festival—simple and generous—designed to delight those arriving from Gargallo and neighboring towns like Gozzano, Maggiora, and Soriso.

A tradition that renews itself

The festival returns punctually every June, gathering residents of the village and the surrounding area for a weekend of conviviality. Between courses, there is no shortage of music and entertainment, in the informal and warm style that characterizes Alpini festivals. It is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Novara, far from the major tourist circuits but rich in human warmth.

Why it's worth visiting

• Traditional Alpine and Piedmontese cuisine at affordable prices
• Authentic village festival atmosphere, untouched by trends
• The community spirit and solidarity of the Alpine world
• A pleasant discovery of the Cusio region and the Novara hills, just a stone's throw from Lake Orta