Lunaria

Lunaria: The July Nights of Cannero Riviera

When the sun sets over Lake Maggiore and the moon reflects on the water, Cannero Riviera comes alive with a special magic. This is the time for Lunaria, the summer festival that invites residents and visitors every Wednesday in July to rediscover the village in a new light—that of the nocturnal Cannero Riviera. In the heart of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province in Piedmont, this small town overlooking the Piedmontese shore of the lake becomes the stage for four evenings blending walking, storytelling, music, and gastronomy.

A Format Blending Nature and Culture

Lunaria is neither a simple concert nor a standard festival: it is an immersive experience designed as a narrative walk. Under the artistic direction of Chiara Minoletti, each evening unfolds along the alleys, small squares, and paths of the village, accompanied by readings, musical performances, and authoritative voices. The common thread is the stories of land, water, and spirituality that have defined life on the shores of Lake Maggiore for centuries. Each stop concludes with a tasting of zero-kilometer local products, providing an opportunity to get to know the region's culinary excellence up close.

The Festival Evenings

• Earth Stories by Moonlight — a walk recounting the region's courageous agricultural initiatives, from distilleries to olive cultivation.
• Spirits and Surroundings — a route toward the hamlet of Piancassone featuring tales of spirits and ghosts, music, and words, with a look at the history of viticulture.
• Viva Verdi — an evening in Piazzetta della Butia dedicated to the Risorgimento on Lake Maggiore and a tribute to Giuseppe Verdi.
• Clear, Fresh, Sweet Water — a tribute to the writer Piero Chiara and his chronicles of the lake's fresh waters.

Cannero Riviera, a Village to Experience

Known for its mild climate, the citrus trees growing along the lakefront, and the evocative Castelli di Cannero emerging from the waters, Cannero Riviera is one of the pearls of Lake Maggiore. Lunaria enhances this intimate, secluded side of the town, offering a slow and poetic way to discover it, far from mass tourism. The festival is organized by Pro Cannero Riviera with the patronage of the Municipality of Cannero Riviera.

Useful Information

All evenings are free of charge and take place even in case of rain. As these are walking tours, comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for evening strolls along the village paths are recommended.