Il Merendino in Rocchetta (Pucia delle Streghe Festival)

Il Merendino in Rocchetta: The Easter Monday Festival in Monferrato

Il Merendino in Rocchetta is the Easter Monday appointment that brings the village of Rocchetta, part of the municipality of Spigno Monferrato (Alessandria), to life in the heart of the Piedmontese Bormida Valley. Organized by the Pro Loco of Spigno Monferrato in collaboration with the local administration, the event combines a scenic walk, the rediscovery of local traditions, and the serving of the famous Pucia delle Streghe, a specialty recognized with the De.Co. (Municipal Denomination) label.

A Walk Through Nature, History, and Villages

The day starts early: participants meet at the church of Rocchetta for a 7-kilometre guided walk around the village. The route, suitable for everyone, offers a chance to discover charming corners of the area, blending nature, history, and local architectural heritage within the hilly landscape of the Upper Monferrato. It is a stroll designed for those who wish to experience the village at a leisurely pace, far from the main tourist crowds.

Pucia delle Streghe: A Traditional Dish

At noon, the most anticipated moment arrives: the serving of the Pucia delle Streghe De.Co., accompanied by sandwiches with anchovies, bagnet verd, and other Piedmontese gastronomic specialties, also available for takeaway. Pucia is a traditional peasant dish—heartier than simple polenta yet simpler than a minestrone—which can be enjoyed hot or, once set, sliced and toasted. Its name recalls the village's darkest history: the infamous witch trials held in Spigno in 1631-1632 during the years of the plague, which involved women from the original Rocchetta Vecchia. Once a nearly forgotten folk tradition, revived by the Pro Loco, the pucia is now the gastronomic symbol of this day.

A Festival for the Whole Community

Beyond the walk and lunch, the day features games for adults and children, fostering a convivial atmosphere that makes Il Merendino a true village festival. "Il Merendino is an event we care about deeply, as it best represents the spirit of our community," stated Angelo Rubba, president of the Spigno Pro Loco. The event is part of the "Il Rifiorir dei Borghi" project, which promotes the various hamlets of Spigno Monferrato throughout the year.

Spigno Monferrato and the Bormida Valley

Spigno Monferrato is a village in the Upper Monferrato, a border area between Piedmont and Liguria known for its hills, castles, and history rich in legends linked to the masche—the witches of Piedmontese folklore. The village of Rocchetta, with its church and ancient core, is one of the most characteristic spots in the municipality and provides the ideal backdrop for this festival that weaves together historical memory, landscape, and authentic flavors.