Rèis – Roero Folk Festival

The roots of Roero in celebration

The Rèis – Roero Folk Festival is one of the most cherished days of the Roero Festival in Santo Stefano Roero, a small town in the Province of Cuneo set among the striking Rocche del Roero, in Piedmont. The festival's name, "Rèis," means "roots" in the Piedmontese language: it is a statement of intent, as the entire event revolves around the recovery and promotion of local culture, music, and the regional dialect.

Folk, words, and conviviality

Founded in 2014, Rèis has gradually carved out a distinct identity within the festival: an entire Sunday where the village transforms into an open-air stage. While Piedmontese folk music and singer-songwriter traditions take center stage, the festival offers much more than just concerts. There is space for puppet shows for children, presentations of books in the Piedmontese language, tributes to the great traditional songwriters, and spontaneous singing around the table—a convivial practice typical of these hills.

A bond that crosses the ocean

Over the years, Rèis has also embraced the spirit of Piedmontese emigration to Argentina, strengthening the ancient ties between Roero and the communities of Italian descendants overseas. It is a festival that speaks of departures, nostalgia, and belonging—themes dear to a territory that has seen generations leave their countryside in search of fortune.

The flavors of the land

As with any proper festival in Roero, food and wine are an essential part of the experience. The dinner in the square, organized by the Pro Loco, features traditional peasant dishes paired with the great wines of the Roero hills. The bar, open throughout the festival, offers local wines and craft beers from the region.

In the heart of the Rocche del Roero

Santo Stefano Roero is famous for its Rocche, deep gully landscapes that create a unique setting, protected by the Ecomuseo delle Rocche del Roero. Attending Rèis also means discovering this authentic corner of Piedmont, far from the main tourist flows, where tradition is still alive and shared firsthand by the community.