Piana Battolla Asado Festival

Argentine Asado in Val di Vara

The Asado Festival of Piana Battolla, a hamlet in the Municipality of Follo in the province of La Spezia, is one of the most characteristic events in the hinterland of La Spezia. Founded in 1970 thanks to the Pro Loco San Rocco, the festival is linked to a story of emigration: asado, meat slowly cooked over embers, is a tradition brought by emigrants returning from Argentina, which has taken root here, becoming a community celebration.

Barbecued Meat and Chimichurri

The absolute star is the asado, prepared according to the traditional recipe and accompanied by chimichurri sauce and local specialties. Volunteers personally take care of the cooking over embers, in a ritual that attracts hundreds of people every evening. The festival is also open for lunch on the central days.

Music and Ferragosto

Every evening the festival offers live music on stage, with concerts and entertainment. The highlight is the Ferragosto fireworks display, which on August 15th lights up the sky of Val di Vara, attracting a large audience.

Identity and Conviviality

The Asado Festival is much more than a gastronomic feast: it is a symbol of conviviality and identity for Piana Battolla and Follo. For those visiting the province of La Spezia and Val di Vara, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic event, the result of the encounter between Ligurian and South American culture.