Polentonissimo Festival

The Polentonissimo, the signature festival of Monastero Bormida

In the heart of the Langa Astigiana, at the foot of the medieval castle, the Polentonissimo has for centuries been the event that best captures the soul of Monastero Bormida, a small village in the Province of Asti, Piedmont. It is the largest popular festival in the Bormida Valley in March: a day entirely dedicated to the public cooking of a colossal polenta, a true collective ritual that draws thousands of visitors to the characteristic Piazza del Castello every year.

A tradition rooted in 1573

The origins of the Polentonissimo are lost in time, but tradition links it to an act of generosity that occurred in 1573. It is said that during a particularly harsh and snowy winter, the local lords—the Marchesi del Carretto—provided aid to a group of traveling coppersmiths (the famous magnin) who were stranded in the village. They were asked to build a huge copper cauldron and were provided with flour so that a giant polenta could be cooked in the square to feed the hungry. History and legend intertwine in this tale: in all likelihood, the first "polentoni" were simple mid-Lent food distributions, but the connection to the passing coppersmiths remains the defining trait of the festival.

The largest polenta in Piedmont

The absolute star is the polentone: over 1,500 kilograms of cornmeal cooked on a large stage set up in the square, stirred for hours by the "polentari" with long wooden oars. It is accompanied by an omelet of 3,000 eggs, onions, and pork sausage, prepared from the early hours of the morning. The most anticipated moment is the Scodellamento (the serving), in the late afternoon, when the steaming polenta is served for free to all those present.

A medieval village in celebration

Throughout the day, Monastero Bormida transforms into an open-air stage. Along the ancient streets, the Arts and Crafts Tour unfolds, featuring demonstrations of traditional artisan trades, while art exhibitions, the photography show, and the Edoardo Rubino Gipsoteca open in the castle rooms. There is also an impromptu painting competition, street artists (Madonnari), flag-wavers, folk groups, and a market showcasing typical products of the Langa Astigiana. The spectacular heart of the festival is the historical pageant with over a hundred costumed participants, led by the monks of the Abbey and the Marchesi del Carretto, which precedes and announces the serving.

Flavors of the Langa Astigiana

In addition to the polenta distributed in the square, you can stop for a rustic lunch in the castle rooms, featuring appetizers, polenta, stew, and dessert at popular prices. The festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Monastero Bormida with the support of the Municipality and is part of the wider landscape of polenta festivals in the Bormida Valley, of which it represents the most famous and well-attended edition.