Giro dei Cortili
A folk-inspired stroll through the alleys and courtyards of Sovazza, on the slopes of Mottarone.
About Giro dei Cortili
A walk through the historic heart of Sovazza
The Giro dei Cortili is a folk festival held in Sovazza, a small hamlet in the municipality of Armeno, in the province of Novara, in the heart of the Piedmontese lake district. Nestled at an altitude of 523 meters on the slopes of Mottarone, the village overlooks Lake Orta and preserves a maze of alleys, archways, and courtyards that the event brings back to life every year.
From village restoration to community celebration
The initiative began in 2023 as a project to promote the historic center of Sovazza: the Gruppo Folkloristico Mottarone "Avvocato Fiorito" rediscovered the ancient local dialect names for every alley and courtyard, installing wooden plaques along the route. From that inaugural event, a tradition was born that renews itself every spring, turning urban restoration into a beloved popular gathering.
Atmosphere and protagonists
During the Giro dei Cortili, visitors are guided through the village to the sound of the accordion and traditional mountain songs, while in each courtyard, residents offer tastings of local products and set up historical re-enactments with original costumes and tools. The route, lasting about three hours, weaves together music, gastronomy, and memory, reflecting the rhythm of life of the farming and artisanal community of the past.
The Gruppo Folkloristico Mottarone
At the heart of the event is the Gruppo Folkloristico Mottarone "Avvocato Fiorito", founded in 1936 and one of the longest-running groups in the region. With its dances, costumed sketches, and repertoire of ancient ballads accompanied by the accordion, the group preserves the traditions of the lands between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore. Its headquarters are located in Sovazza, on Via Balilla.
Why visit
- A rare example of a festival that brings an entire mountain village to life
- A walking itinerary through alleys and courtyards marked with dialect names
- Live music featuring accordions and folk songs
- Tastings of local products offered by residents
- Located just a few kilometers from Lake Orta and the summit of Mottarone
Giro dei Cortili — edition 2026
A special day for the group's 90th anniversary
The fourth edition of the Giro dei Cortili took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Sovazza, a hamlet of Armeno, in a festive atmosphere: the Gruppo Folkloristico Mottarone "Avvocato Fiorito" celebrated its 90th anniversary. The usual route through the village's alleys and courtyards was combined with anniversary festivities.
Program of the day
- Guided tour through the village courtyards, accompanied by accordion music and mountain songs
- Participation of guest folk groups, including the Gruppo Folk Città di Domodossola
- Solemn Mass for the group's anniversary
- Historical exhibition featuring memorabilia and documents of the Gruppo Mottarone
- Anniversary cake cutting
A celebration that united memory, tradition, and community in the heart of the Cusio region.
Programme Giro dei Cortili 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Giro dei Cortili of Sovazza accompanied by the accordion and mountain songs of the Gruppo Folkloristico Mottarone
- Performances by guest folk groups, including the Gruppo Folk Città di Domodossola
- Solemn Mass for the group's 90th anniversary
- Historical exhibition dedicated to the Gruppo Mottarone, with memorabilia, costumes, and documents
- Anniversary cake cutting
Detailed schedules were not published: the event took place throughout the day among the village alleys.
Highlights Giro dei Cortili 2026
Prices Giro dei Cortili 2026
Practical information — Giro dei Cortili
How to get there
Sovazza is a hamlet of Armeno, in the province of Novara. By car, it can be reached from the A26 motorway (Borgomanero or Arona exit), then following signs for Armeno and Orta San Giulio along the road that climbs towards Mottarone. The nearest train station is Orta-Miasino.
When and how much
The event takes place in spring, typically in May, along the alleys and courtyards of the village of Sovazza. Admission and the walk are free; any tastings in the courtyards are offered by the residents.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: the route winds over cobblestones and uphill sections. For updated information, you can contact the Gruppo Folkloristico Mottarone "Avvocato Fiorito".
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Where does it take place — Giro dei Cortili
Borgo di Sovazza
Via Balilla 24, Sovazza, 28011 Armeno