Lou Journ di Rei / 1st Putagè Festival
Three days of Occitan Three Kings traditions in the upper Maira Valley
About Lou Journ di Rei
Lou Journ di Rei: The Occitan Epiphany in Acceglio
Lou Journ di Rei (The Day of the Kings) is a festival that brings the ancient Occitan tradition of the Three Kings back to life in Acceglio during the Epiphany. Set in the upper Maira Valley, in the province of Cuneo and the heart of the Piedmontese mountains, the event transforms the small village into a vibrant stage for culture, music, and the authentic flavors of the highlands. The event is promoted by the Mamo Educational Foundation ETS with the patronage of the Municipality of Acceglio and the collaboration of the local Pro Loco and associations.
The 1st Putagè Festival
The culinary heart of the festival is the Riboto dla Stivo, rebranded as the 1st Putagè Festival: the putagè is the historic wood-burning stove found in mountain homes, around which people still cook and gather today. Along the village streets, Occitan street food is prepared directly on these wood stoves, featuring traditional dishes such as soma d'aj (bruschetta with garlic and oil), alpine cheese candies, toma cheese, potatoes with aioli sauce, ula al forno (a slow-cooked vegetable soup), red pignoletto polenta with bagna cauda, baked apples, canto (rye bread with butter and honey), and traditional desserts.
A Three-Day Program
The festival blends gastronomy, culture, and popular spirituality. Highlights animating the village include:
- Market exhibition of local producers, artisans, and farmers at the Town Hall
- Spontaneous singing of Piedmontese and Occitan folk songs along the streets
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Guided tours of the Museum of Sacred Art and the Clock Museum
- Workshops for children and families, from making King's biscuits to learning traditional songs
- Concerts and evening film screenings at the Birrificio Alp
- Book presentations for adults and children
The Tradition of the Star
One of the most evocative moments is the Cantar la Stella procession, which revives the Occitan custom of itinerant Epiphany singing, concluding around a bonfire with hot drinks. It is the way communities in the Cuneo valleys have bid farewell to the end of the holiday season for centuries.
Acceglio and the Maira Valley
Located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, Acceglio is the last municipality in the upper Maira Valley, in the province of Cuneo. It is a territory with a strong Occitan identity, alpine landscapes, and rural heritage, where events like Lou Journ di Rei help keep the language, cuisine, and customs of the Piedmontese highlands alive.
Lou Journ di Rei — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Lou Journ di Rei opened on Friday, January 2, at the Birrificio Alp with the screening of the documentary Signor Calandra (directed by Andrea Icardi) and a debate on philanthropy in the highlands.
On Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4, the village hosted the market at the Town Hall and the Riboto dla Stivo, the first Putagè Festival, with Occitan street food cooked on wood-burning stoves. Offerings included: soma d'aj, alpine cheese candies, toma and potatoes with aioli, ula al forno, polenta with bagna cauda, baked apples, and traditional desserts. The program also featured museum visits, children's workshops, carriage rides with Merens horses, book presentations, concerts, and the Cantar la Stella procession with the Servanot dla Stelo from Sampeyre, ending at a bonfire.
Programme Lou Journ di Rei 2026
Friday, January 2
- 9:00 PM — Birrificio Alp: screening of the documentary "Signor Calandra" (dir. Andrea Icardi) and debate "Philanthropy in the highlands, yesterday and today"
Saturday, January 3
- 10:00 AM — Town Hall: inauguration of the market with local producers, artisans, and farmers
- 12:00 PM-3:00 PM — "Riboto dla Stivo" (1st Putagè Festival): soma d'aj, alpine cheese candies, toma and potatoes with aioli, ula al forno, polenta with bagna cauda, baked apples, desserts, and coffee
- Afternoon — museum visits (Sacred Art, Clock), children's workshops, Piedmontese and Occitan folk singing
- 9:15 PM — Birrificio Alp: concert "Traveling through memories"
Sunday, January 4
- 10:00 AM — Town Hall: market and presentation of the book "From silence to speech"
- Morning — horse-drawn carriage rides with Merens horses
- 12:00 PM-3:00 PM — "Riboto dla Stivo" (Putagè Festival)
- 2:30 PM — presentation "The mystery of the Blue Star" and creative workshop for children
- 4:30 PM — "Cantar la Stella" procession with the Servanot dla Stelo (Sampeyre) and conclusion at the bonfire at Birrificio Alp with hot drinks
Highlights Lou Journ di Rei 2026
- The debut of the 1st Putagè Festival: Occitan street food cooked on wood-burning stoves
- The Riboto dla Stivo with typical highland dishes
- The Cantar la Stella procession with the Servanot dla Stelo from Sampeyre
- Carriage rides with Merens horses
Prices Lou Journ di Rei 2026
Practical information — Lou Journ di Rei
How to get there
Acceglio is located in the upper Maira Valley, in the province of Cuneo. By car, it can be reached from Cuneo along the SP422 road, traveling up the valley; the nearest towns served by train are Cuneo and Saluzzo, from which you can continue by car.
When
The event takes place during the Epiphany period, at the beginning of January. The main activities (market exhibition and Putagè Festival) are concentrated over the weekend, generally between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with evening events at the Birrificio Alp.
Tips
As this is a winter event in the high mountains, warm clothing is essential. It is recommended to check road conditions and consult the Mamo Educational Foundation's channels for the updated program.
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Where does it take place — Lou Journ di Rei
Palazzo Comunale e Birrificio Alp