Quaquare Festival and Saint Marziano Patronal Feast
The signature pastry of Genola celebrates its patron saint, San Marziano
About Quaquare Festival
Genola's most beloved festival
In the heart of the Cuneo plains, the town of Genola dedicates its most heartfelt annual event to the quaquara, a crumbly, fragrant biscuit that has become the town's symbol. The Quaquare Festival coincides with the Patronal Feast of San Marziano, celebrated on the third Sunday of May, blending religious devotion, culinary pride, and community spirit into one grand celebration.
What is a quaquara?
The quaquara is a traditional Genola pastry made with soft wheat flour, butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and crushed almonds. Its name comes from the Piedmontese term for the 'may bug' (cockchafer), the insect that inspired the biscuit's distinctive shape. The recipe, passed down through generations, is still baked today in the municipal oven managed by Pro Loco volunteers—a true collective ritual that strengthens the town's bonds. In 2025, the quaquara was awarded the De.Co. (Municipal Denomination) label, a recognition certifying its origin and quality.
A festival spread across the town
The core of the events is the Palaquaquara on Via Roma, but the festivities extend to the Tapparelli Castle, the Bocciofila (bocce club), Piazza Marcos Juárez, and the town streets, which are animated by a funfair and the "La Via dei Dolci" (The Path of Sweets) exhibition. The program ranges from community dinners to dance evenings, bocce and card tournaments, and children's activities, leading up to the solemn religious appointment on Sunday.
Faith and tradition
The most solemn moment is the mass in honor of San Marziano, followed by a procession with the patron saint's relic, accompanied by the Arrigo Boito Philharmonic. It is the most authentic sign of a community that continues to gather around its saint and its traditional pastry. Organized by the Pro Loco Tourist Association of Genola with the patronage of the Municipality, the Quaquare Festival is an unmissable stop for those wanting to discover the popular traditions of the Cuneo area in Piedmont.
Quaquare Festival — edition 2026
The 53rd edition of the Quaquare Festival animated Genola for nearly two weeks, from May 8 to 20, 2026. After opening with a fish dinner at the Palaquaquara, the festival reached its peak during the central week with the Castle Night at Tapparelli Castle, twinning dinners, musical and dance evenings, the exhibition by artist FeRe Duelli, and finally the solemn mass and Sunday procession in honor of the patron saint San Marziano. There were also many activities for families and children, bocce and card tournaments, and a funfair.
Programme Quaquare Festival 2026
Friday 8 — Saturday 9 May
- 19:00 (May 8) → 23:00 (May 9) — Fish dinner at Palaquaquara, Via Roma 25
Wednesday 13 May
- Strà Genola, 24th running race
Thursday 14 May
- 21:00 — Castle Night at Tapparelli Castle: comedy show by Luca Sbrab, "How hard it is to grow up" (free entry)
Friday 15 — Tuesday 19 May
- Exhibition "Andata e Ritorno" by artist FeRe Duelli (Finestra sul Castello)
Friday 15 May
- 20:30 — Card tournament (Tressette and Scala 40) at the Bocciofila
- Twinning Dinner at Palaquaquara (reservation 353 4540107)
- 23:30 — Music with TuttaFuffa
Saturday 16 May
- "12 hours of Petanque"
- Musical evening at Palaquaquara with NCL and Malafama
Sunday 17 May
- 9:00 — "La Via dei Dolci": exhibition and craft market
- 10:00 — Solemn Mass (Father Danilo Bedino)
- Procession with the relic of San Marziano, accompanied by the Arrigo Boito Philharmonic
- 14:30 — Children's games in Piazza Marcos Juárez; bread and Nutella snack
- 19:00 — Apericena at Palaquaquara (reservation required 353 4540107)
- 21:00 — Great Latin Fiesta with DJs Joan and Patrick and Jenny Scelba
Monday 18 May
- 14:30 — Bocce tournament at the Bocciofila
- 15:30 — "Parent Storytellers", intergenerational activity; Ludobus with traditional games, readings, and music; charity stall
- 20:00 — Happy Dance for You at Palaquaquara
- Liscio dance evening with the Claudio Folk orchestra
Wednesday 20 May
- 20:30 — San Marziano closing dinner at the Bocciofila (reservation by May 18, 333 8567431)
Throughout the festival: funfair in Piazza Tapparelli.
Highlights Quaquare Festival 2026
Prices Quaquare Festival 2026
Practical information — Quaquare Festival
Location
Main venue at Palaquaquara, Via Roma 25, 12040 Genola (CN). Other events take place at Tapparelli Castle, the municipal Bocciofila, Piazza Marcos Juárez, and in the town center.
How to get there
Genola is located in the Cuneo plains, along the road between Savigliano and Fossano. Accessible by car via the SS20 and the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Fossano or Marene exit). Train station on the Turin-Savona line.
Reservations and contacts
Dinners require reservations (dedicated numbers for each event). Organized by the Pro Loco of Genola, email [email protected] and official Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Quaquare Festival
Palaquaquara
Via Roma 25, 12040 Genola