Great Autumn Chestnut Festival

An autumn festival in the heart of the Ovadese

The Great Autumn Chestnut Festival is one of the most beloved traditions in Silvano d'Orba, a town of just under two thousand inhabitants in the Province of Alessandria, in the south-eastern corner of Piedmont, just a stone's throw from Ovada and the Ligurian border. Every October, when the hills of Monferrato and the Ovadese turn the warm colors of autumn, the Parish Oratory opens its doors for a grand festival dedicated to the chestnut, the undisputed queen of the season.

Roasted chestnuts, fritters, and new wine

The heart of the event is as simple and genuine as the best Piedmontese farming traditions: the scent of roasted chestnuts freshly prepared on the brazier fills the oratory, accompanied by sweet fritters and a good glass of new wine, the young wine from the recently concluded harvest. Past editions have also featured local sausages and other gastronomic delights, in a celebration that centers on conviviality and the authentic flavors of the territory.

An afternoon for families

The chestnut festival in Silvano d'Orba is not just a gastronomic event: it is, above all, a moment for the community. The program pays great attention to children, with playful activities and games designed for the little ones, while the oratory spaces often host drawings and crafts made by the local school children. It is an opportunity to meet up with neighbors and friends in a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.

An event linked to the Oratory

The event is organized by the Parish Oratory of Silvano d'Orba and traditionally has a charitable purpose: the proceeds from the festival help support the activities of the oratory and the parish community. This is how a simple chestnut festival becomes a gesture of solidarity and participation in the life of the town.

Silvano d'Orba and the Ovadese

Included in the rich calendar of events that animate Silvano d'Orba throughout the year, from the patronal feast of San Pancrazio to the summer festivals, the Great Autumn Chestnut Festival represents a farewell to the warm season and the entry into the colder months. For those visiting the Ovadese in autumn, it is the perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality of an authentic Piedmontese village and the flavors of its land.