Polentata in Piazza

A village dinner with a heart

The Polentata in Piazza is one of those events that captures the true soul of small mountain villages. In Montescheno, a town of just over three hundred residents nestled in the Valle Antrona, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Piedmont), the town square transforms for one night into a large open-air dining room. Here, residents, vacationers, and hikers sit side-by-side to share a simple, generous dish: steaming polenta, the undisputed queen of alpine valley cuisine.

Polenta and local Ossola specialties

The evening's menu focuses on hot polenta, served with a variety of local specialties from the Ossola region. This is genuine mountain cooking, defined by robust flavors and local ingredients, prepared by community volunteers with the care that only village festivals can offer. Sitting at this table means savoring a gastronomic tradition that has remained unchanged in Montescheno and throughout the Valle Antrona for generations.

Music, raffles, and a common cause

The Polentata in Piazza is more than just a dinner: during and after the meal, the evening continues with live musical entertainment, keeping guests company late into the night. A highlight is the grand prize raffle, with tickets on sale and a rich array of prizes ranging from electronics and home appliances to gift baskets filled with local products.

However, the true heart of the event is its charitable purpose: all proceeds are donated to support the maintenance of the Alpe Faiù - Pianzaccia road, a vital artery for the alpine territory, essential for both residents and the hikers who frequent the pastures of Montescheno. Participating means enjoying a wonderful evening while making a concrete contribution to the care of the valley.

A community experience

In a small town like Montescheno, events like this are much more than a simple festival: they are the glue that keeps the community alive, an occasion where local associations, the Pro Loco, and volunteers come together for the common good. For those visiting the Valle Antrona, the Polentata in Piazza is an authentic opportunity to connect with the sincere hospitality of the mountain people, far from the mass tourism circuits.