Macellai Chestnut Festival

A chestnut festival in the heart of the Roero

The Macellai Chestnut Festival is one of the most cherished autumn events in Macellai, a small village in the municipality of Pocapaglia, in the province of Cuneo, within the hilly landscape of the Roero region in Piedmont. As the leaves change color and the days grow shorter, the community gathers in the church square to celebrate the season of chestnuts, the iconic fruit of the Piedmontese autumn.

Roasted chestnuts and conviviality

The heart of the festival is the roasted chestnuts, toasted on the spot and shared with attendees: an unmistakable aroma fills the square, drawing in both young and old. The chestnut festival is, above all, an opportunity to meet, a day designed for spending time together, chatting, and rediscovering the simple pleasure of village traditions. The atmosphere is the welcoming and familiar one typical of the Roero villages, where every initiative becomes a reason to reconnect.

A community-driven celebration

The event is organized by the Pocapaglia Alpini Group together with the Macellai ACLI Circle, two associations deeply rooted in the area. The Macellai ACLI Circle has been a focal point for the village residents for years, enlivening local life with parties, solidarity events, and community initiatives throughout the year, from the patronal feast dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Good Counsel to autumn events like the chestnut festival. The Alpini, with their spirit of service, contribute to the success of the day.

Pocapaglia and the Roero

Pocapaglia stands on a ridge overlooking the plains and hills of the Roero, a land of great wines, truffles, and vineyard landscapes recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Villages like Macellai preserve the authentic spirit of this corner of Piedmont: a chestnut festival here is not just an outdoor snack, but a small collective ritual that tells the story of the bond between the people and their land. It is also a perfect occasion for those visiting the Roero in autumn who wish to experience a village festival far from the major tourist circuits.