Golosaria Monferrato in Portacomaro

Golosaria in Portacomaro: A blend of taste and tradition

Every spring, Golosaria Monferrato turns dozens of villages across the provinces of Asti and Alessandria into a vast map of culinary delights. Portacomaro, a municipality in the province of Asti, Piedmont, is one of the most charming stops on this widespread itinerary. Created by food and wine journalist Paolo Massobrio and organized by Club Papillon as part of ilGolosario, the event connects over forty locations united by a common theme: taste, home, and the hills, which are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The historic Sagra del Caritin

In Portacomaro, the Golosaria leg intertwines with the Sagra del Caritin, one of the town's most beloved festivals. The tradition of the Carità—sweets donated by families to the church to be blessed and then auctioned off for charity—dates back centuries to the era of the Confraternita dei Batì. In 1969, thanks to the local municipality, the Pro Loco, and the youth club, the festival was revived as the 'Sagra del Caritin,' which has since drawn the community together every year to celebrate its signature pastries and Grignolino wine.

What to experience in the village

The day unfolds on foot through the squares and alleys of Portacomaro's historic center:

• The Fiat 500 rally and vintage car show in Piazza del Tamburello in the morning;
• Holy Mass in the parish church with the blessing of the Carità;
• The Incanto delle Carità, a traditional charity auction of sweets supporting the parish, enlivened by the Portacomaro Municipal Band;
• The exhibition titled 'Monferrato: Taste, Home, and Hills,' hosted on Via Rosa and in the former theater beneath the church on Via Alfieri.

The entire event takes place in a festive atmosphere involving the Pro Loco, local associations, and Monferrato producers, with wine tastings and local products providing the perfect backdrop.

A widespread event, a local identity

Participating in Golosaria in Portacomaro means discovering the authentic face of the Asti-Monferrato region: cozy villages, popular faith, traditional sweets, and hills sculpted by vineyards. The festival's widespread format allows you to build your own itinerary, alternating your visit to Portacomaro with nearby towns and the event's beating heart, the Castle of Casale Monferrato.