Polentata – Autumn Festival at the Rocca Park

Polenta on the heights of Arona

The Polentata – Autumn Festival is a food and wine event held every October at the Rocca Borromea Park in Arona, in the province of Novara, in the heart of Piedmont. The event is promoted by the La Rocca nel Cuore Association, a group of volunteers dedicated to the care and enhancement of the park, attracting residents, hikers, and tourists from Lake Maggiore every year.

A snack in the paradise of the Rocca

The Rocca Park, overlooking the lake and the hills surrounding Arona, takes on the warm colors of the season in autumn, providing an ideal setting for a day outdoors. The festival was born from the idea of spending an afternoon in this "paradise," made even more beautiful by the autumn foliage, while enjoying a delicious snack in good company.

Polenta on the table

The heart of the day is naturally the polenta, served in its traditional version with typical sauces and accompaniments. In past editions, the polentata has been served with meat ragù and luganiga sausage or with gorgonzola cheese, followed by desserts like panna cotta and chocolate mousse, all paired with house wine. A hearty and genuine menu designed to warm up autumn days and showcase simple, traditional flavors.

Nature, community, and volunteering

Beyond the culinary aspect, the Autumn Festival is an opportunity to rediscover the Rocca Borromea Park with a walk along its paths and panoramic viewpoints over Lake Maggiore. The initiative also has a strong charitable and community value: the proceeds support the maintenance and care activities carried out by the volunteers of the La Rocca nel Cuore Association.

An event for the whole family

The event appeals to a wide audience: families with children, nature and hiking enthusiasts, and lovers of traditional cuisine. The atmosphere is that of a typical Piedmontese village festival—informal and welcoming—where good food meets the beauty of the landscape. In case of bad weather, the festival is generally postponed to the following Sunday.