Gathering of Village and Community Guardians

An identity-focused festival in the heart of Alta Langa

The Gathering of Village and Community Guardians is one of the most significant and original events in the spring calendar of the municipality of Paroldo, a small village in Alta Langa in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of Piedmont. Promoted by the Masche di Paroldo Cultural Association in collaboration with the local municipality and the Pro Loco, the event takes place every year in the scenic Borgata Cavallini, also known as the Ancient Village of the Cavallini, bringing together residents, officials, and friends from numerous towns in the so-called Terre Alte (High Lands).

Who are the "Guardians"?

The heart of the gathering is the appointment of the Village and Community Guardians: men and women who, without specific academic titles, carry out the precious task of preserving the communities, traditions, and identity of these small mountain and hillside centers with silent dedication. Each year, Professor Aldo Intagliata, a scholar of classical languages, explores the etymological and cultural significance of the term "guardian," with particular reference to Alta Langa. The new Guardians are presented with the traditional membership collar, a symbol of unity and adherence to a network of shared values.

The day's program

The gathering takes place on Sunday afternoon. The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 PM at the Ancient Village of the Cavallini, with a moment of discussion and exchange between friends and Guardians. This is followed by speeches from speakers—including recurring figures such as Prof. Aldo Intagliata, Dr. Guido Araldo, Dr. Claudio Alberto, and Prof. Pier Carlo Grimaldi—and then the collar presentation ceremony. The day concludes at 6:00 PM with the merenda sinoira, a rich Piedmontese gastronomic tradition, offered to all participants.

• Location: Borgata Cavallini, Paroldo (CN), Alta Langa
• When: A Sunday in spring, between April and May
• Admission: Free, snack included
• Organization: Masche di Paroldo Cultural Association, Municipality of Paroldo, and Pro Loco

Paroldo, land of masche and memory

Paroldo is a small municipality in the Alta Langa of Cuneo, famous for its stories of masche, the female figures of Piedmontese folklore linked to popular magic and oral tradition. In this context, the Guardians' Gathering takes on a special value: it is not just a ceremony, but a collective ritual that strengthens bonds of friendship and cooperation among the High Land communities, drawing attention to the role of those who remain to guard the more fragile villages of the Piedmontese hinterland. An authentic opportunity to discover the deep soul of the Langa, far from the most beaten tourist paths.