Nigella Festival

The blue flower of Niella Tanaro

In the rolling hills of the Monregalese area, in the province of Cuneo, the small town of Niella Tanaro preserves an ancient and deep bond with a flower as delicate as it is iconic: the nigella. This blue flower, which grows wild among the crops (the so-called segetal plants), is not just a feature of the local agricultural landscape, but proudly adorns the municipal coat of arms alongside ears of wheat. It is precisely to this botanical and cultural heritage that the Nigella Festival is dedicated, organized every June by the Associazione Nigella ODV under the patronage of the Municipality of Niella Tanaro.

An event blending ecology, culture, and conviviality

The festival takes place around the Experimental Field in the Roà Soprana locality, the site where the association cultivates and studies various species of nigella — from Nigella sativa to Nigella damascena, and even Agrostemma githago. More than just a simple fair, it is an event with a strong environmental and educational spirit, designed to reconnect people with the land, biodiversity, and local traditions. The program alternates between different moments throughout the afternoon and evening: a guided ecological walk along local paths to discover the flora and environmental peculiarities of the area; a cultural meeting dedicated to history and cereal cultivation; and finally, the most convivial part, featuring the famous nigella pizza accompanied by live music.

The research behind the festival

Behind the festival day lies the patient work of a volunteer association that, with the support of CSV Società Solidale, carries out scientific research, seed distribution, and educational publications on the segetal plants of the Monregalese. The presentation of the volume Inter Segetes Nigella, which recounts the history of the territory and its cereal cultivation, is one of the highlights that adds cultural depth to the event.

An authentic experience in the Cuneo area

The Nigella Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of Piedmont, far from the major tourist circuits. Amidst the colors of the Cuneo hills, the warmth of the locals, and the genuine flavors of the region — local wines and specialties, craft beer, and pizza — the event offers a day immersed in nature and rural culture. A small community gem that attracts curious visitors, botany enthusiasts, families, and travelers in search of authenticity every year.