Mangè d'una volta – Cazola

The lunch that reopens the season of winter flavors

When the cold sets in and winter is in full swing, Pombia, a small town in the Province of Novara in Piedmont, hosts one of the most anticipated Pro Loco events: "Mangè d'una volta – Cazola." It is the first lunch of a culinary series that, throughout the cold season, brings traditional local dishes back to the table—the kind families used to cook with simple ingredients and nothing wasted.

Cazola, the queen of the winter table

The absolute star of this event is cazola (the cassœula of popular cuisine), one of the iconic dishes of Northern Italian peasant cooking. It is prepared with savoy cabbage and humble cuts of pork—rind, ribs, trotters, and sausages—cooked long and slow until they become a hearty, warming one-pot meal, perfect for the freezing days of January. It is a dish that tells the story of rural life and, even today, brings the community together around the same table.

A community tradition

The "Mangè d'una volta" ("eating like in the old days," in the local dialect) series is a project by Pro Loco Pombia APS designed to preserve and pass on the region's culinary heritage. Each event is dedicated to a different traditional dish: after the January cazola, the season continues with other convivial lunches—such as "Al Buji," dedicated to mixed boiled meats—which bring the Centro Sociale on Via Garibaldi to life.

An experience to share

More than just a food festival, "Mangè d'una volta – Cazola" is a meeting point for the residents of Pombia and visitors from neighboring towns. Everyone sits together at the long tables of the Centro Sociale, enjoys a dish prepared according to an old-fashioned recipe, and spends an afternoon in good company, embracing the conviviality typical of Piedmontese village feasts. It is a genuine opportunity to discover the authentic cuisine of the Novara area, far from the beaten tourist path.

Where and when

The event takes place at the Centro Sociale of Pombia, at Via Garibaldi 16, and is organized by Pro Loco Pombia APS. As this is a seated lunch, it is advisable to check in advance for participation and booking details through the official Pro Loco channels.