MeleMiele Festival

The MeleMiele Festival in Baceno

In the heart of the Antigorio Valley, in the municipality of Baceno (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, Piedmont), the MeleMiele Festival stands as one of the most beloved food and wine events in the entire Ossola region. Established in 1989, the event transforms the mountain village every autumn into a widespread celebration dedicated to the valley's two iconic products: mountain apples and honey from local small-scale beekeepers.

A showcase of local excellence

The heart of the festival is the agri-food and craft market, which winds through the streets of the Sant'Antonio district up to the new event area on Via Rivera. Along the exhibition route, visitors can discover numerous varieties of apples grown on the valley slopes and various honeys produced by local beekeepers, alongside alpine cheeses, cured meats, preserves, and traditional Ossola handicrafts.

Traditional cuisine and autumn specialties

The festival's kitchen offers traditional mountain dishes: platters of cured meats and cheeses, local first and second courses, and the unmissable, famous apple fritters. Culinary offerings also include raclette, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, apple juice, and yogurt with red apple jam, as well as special risottos created specifically for the festival days.

Workshops, excursions, and culture

MeleMiele is more than just gastronomy: the program includes creative workshops for families and children, talks on the world of bees and beekeeping, walks and excursions to explore the area, historical photography exhibitions, and book presentations related to Alpine and Ossola culture. Recurring highlights include the presentation of the Ossola Historical Almanac.

Music and festive atmosphere

The festival days are enlivened by live music, folk dances in traditional costumes, and entertainment for all ages, making Baceno a meeting point for valley residents and visitors from across Upper Piedmont.

A staple of the Ossola festival calendar

Organized by the Municipality of Baceno and the Pro Loco, the MeleMiele Festival is part of the rich Ossola festival calendar and represents an ideal opportunity to discover the Antigorio Valley in autumn, amidst Alpine landscapes, rural traditions, and the genuine flavors of this corner of Piedmont near the Swiss border.