Patronal Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle
The patron saint festival and the Cunichese Gnocchi Festival in the heart of the Asti Monferrato
About Saint Bartholomew in Cunico
The patronal festival of the Monferrato village
The Patronal Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle is the most anticipated event of the year in Cunico, a small municipality nestled on a hill in the northwestern part of the Monferrato, in the province of Asti, in the heart of Piedmont. Every year, coinciding with the patron saint's day (August 24th), the village gathers around its parish church dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, located in the town center where a castle once stood.
Devotion and tradition
The festival combines a religious dimension with a popular one. The central liturgical moment is the solemn Holy Mass in honor of the patron saint, followed by traditional refreshments that bring the community together. Around this devotional core, a village festival has developed over time, enlivening the streets and the sports area of Cunico for four days.
The Cunichese Gnocchi Festival
Since 2005, the secular part of the patronal festival has been known as the Cunichese Gnocchi Festival, named after the signature dish that stars in the evenings. Organized with dedication by the Pro Loco of Cunico, the festival features an indoor food stand where you can enjoy gnocchi prepared according to the local recipe, accompanied by specialties of Piedmontese and Monferrato cuisine.
The evenings are marked by free live music, with dance orchestras and musical offerings designed for all ages. There is no shortage of inflatable games for children, family entertainment, tournaments, and charitable initiatives that have always been part of the festival's spirit.
A late summer appointment
Located in the heart of the Monferrato summer, among hills planted with vineyards and historic villages like Cocconato and Cocconito, the Saint Bartholomew festival is the ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Asti. For those visiting the Monferrato in August, it represents a genuine taste of Piedmontese village tradition, made of good food, music, and hospitality.
- Where: historic center and sports area of Cunico (AT)
- When: late August, around August 24th (patron saint's day)
- Organization: Pro Loco of Cunico
- Specialty: Cunichese-style gnocchi
Saint Bartholomew in Cunico — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The Patronal Feast of Saint Bartholomew returns to Cunico in 2026, around the patron saint's day, August 24th. The religious moment includes the solemn Holy Mass in honor of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, while the secular part is entrusted as always to the Cunichese Gnocchi Festival organized by the Pro Loco.
The detailed program of the evenings, including menus, musical groups, and times, is generally published by the Pro Loco of Cunico in the weeks immediately preceding the festival. The usual structure includes the opening of the indoor food stand, free live music evenings, and inflatable games for children.
The 2026 program will be announced by the Pro Loco of Cunico closer to the event.
Programme Saint Bartholomew in Cunico 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (menus, times, and musical evenings) will be published by the Pro Loco of Cunico in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Based on recent editions, the usual structure of the festivities includes:
- Indoor food stand, generally opening at 7:30 PM, featuring Cunichese-style gnocchi as the star dish
- Live music evenings with dance orchestras, free admission
- Inflatable games and entertainment for children
- Sunday: Solemn Holy Mass in the morning in honor of the patron saint, followed by refreshments, and games for children in the afternoon at the sports area
For updated details, it is recommended to follow the Pro Loco of Cunico's channels.
Highlights Saint Bartholomew in Cunico 2026
- Saint Bartholomew's Day: August 24th
- Cunichese Gnocchi Festival organized by the Pro Loco
- Free musical evenings
- Entertainment and games for children
Prices Saint Bartholomew in Cunico 2026
Practical information — Saint Bartholomew in Cunico
How to get there
Cunico can be reached by car from the A21 motorway (Asti Est or Villanova d'Asti exit), continuing along the hilly roads of the Monferrato; the most convenient train station is Asti, from which you continue by car towards the hills north of the provincial capital.
Admission and prices
Access to the festival and musical evenings is free. Payment is required only for food and drinks at the Pro Loco stand.
Tips
The food stand generally opens at 7:30 PM and is covered. In case of rain, it is advisable to check for any changes with the Pro Loco of Cunico.
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Where does it take place — Saint Bartholomew in Cunico
Centro storico e area sportiva di Cunico