Polenta and Cod

The Polenta and Cod Festival in Baldissero Canavese

As winter draws to a close, Baldissero Canavese—a hillside village in the Province of Turin, in the heart of the Piedmontese Canavese area—brings back one of its most anticipated gastronomic events: Polenta and Cod. The local Pro Loco tourist association organizes this community dinner, designed to bring residents, friends, and visitors together around a great classic of rural tradition.

A dish that tells the story of the Piedmontese mountains

The pairing of polenta and cod is a true institution of Piedmontese cuisine. Cornmeal polenta, a historic staple of the countryside and alpine valleys, meets cod cooked in white sauce—the salt-cured fish that once traveled along trade routes to reach inland tables far from the sea. The result is a hearty and generous dish, perfect for the chilly evenings of late February.

A convivial dinner for the whole town

The evening takes place in Piazza Unità d'Italia, the heart of Baldissero Canavese, where the Pro Loco hosts the dinner for participants. In addition to the main course, the menu features a sequence of traditional dishes: from appetizers to dessert, all accompanied by wine, water, and coffee. For those who cannot stay for dinner, a takeaway service is also available for those who wish to enjoy the polenta and cod at home.

Why it is worth attending

More than just a simple dinner, Polenta and Cod is a moment of social connection that keeps the identity of this small Canavese town alive. It is the ideal opportunity to discover the hospitality of an authentic Piedmontese village, savor a recipe that smells of tradition, and support the work of the Pro Loco, which has always been the driving force behind the social and cultural life of Baldissero Canavese.