Recco Cheese Focaccia and Trofie al Pesto Festival

A festival connecting Piedmont and Liguria

The Recco Cheese Focaccia and Trofie al Pesto Festival is one of the most beloved summer gastronomic events in the province of Alessandria. It takes place in Casal Cermelli, a small Piedmontese town just a few kilometers from the provincial capital, where the Pro Loco Casal Cermelli sets up Piazza San Carlo every year to welcome thousands of visitors. The concept that makes this festival special is simple yet brilliant: bringing two iconic dishes of Ligurian cuisine to Piedmont, highlighting the historical and geographical bond between the two regions.

The star specialties

The heart of the event lies in two traditional Ligurian dishes prepared with artisanal care:

• Recco cheese focaccia: paper-thin, fragrant, and filled with melted fresh cheese, it is prepared by professionals who travel specifically from Recco, the Ligurian town recognized as its home.
• Trofie al pesto: the famous short, twisted pasta, dressed with pesto and served with potatoes and green beans according to the most authentic Genoese tradition.

Alongside these dishes, the Pro Loco food stands offer other specialties and desserts, creating a culinary journey designed for the whole family.

Music and conviviality

Beyond the table, the festival offers a rich entertainment program: every evening, after dinner in the square, the event continues with musical evenings at the Pagliarella, where live music and dancing enliven the party until late. The atmosphere is that of the best Piedmontese village festivals, where different generations gather at the outdoor tables.

A consolidated tradition

Now in its twenty-first edition, the festival is a fixed point in the summer calendar of Casal Cermelli and the entire Alessandria area. The event is promoted by the Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality of Casal Cermelli, the Piedmont Region, and UNPLI Piemonte, testifying to the cultural and tourist value the event has gained in the territory. The success of each edition is the result of the work of numerous volunteers, the true engine of the festival.

Why it is worth attending

For those visiting the province of Alessandria in June, the Recco Cheese Focaccia and Trofie al Pesto Festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy authentic Ligurian cuisine without traveling to the coast, immersed in the genuine hospitality of a Piedmontese village. A weekend of good food, music, and tradition, where the quality of the ingredients and the passion of the volunteers make all the difference.