Two days of wine, music, and tradition in the historic center of Gattinara
Rosa e Rosso di Maggio is one of the most cherished events in Gattinara, a town in the province of Vercelli, in the heart of Upper Piedmont. For two days, typically the last weekend of May, the entire historic center turns into a sprawling stage filled with flavors, music, culture, sports, and community spirit. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Gattinara in collaboration with the Municipality of Gattinara, with the support of numerous local associations.
The festival's common thread is wine: Gattinara DOCG, produced from the Nebbiolo grape (locally known as Spanna), is one of Piedmont's great red wines. During the event, guided tastings of the best local labels are held, ranging from classic Gattinara to Gattinara Riserva, featuring over twenty wineries. The event takes place in conjunction with Cantine Aperte, the national initiative by the Wine Tourism Movement that opens winery doors to enthusiasts.
The streets and squares of the town center host over 80 markets, taverns, food stalls, and craft breweries. The atmosphere is enhanced by widespread performances, children's entertainment, street artists, and a rich musical program: over fifteen live performances ranging from rock to electronic, pop to singer-songwriter music, featuring local bands, DJs, and musicians.
The event alternates between festive moments and initiatives with strong civic and social value. Recurring highlights include the Pink Run, a charity race dedicated to women, and the lighting of the Lamp of Peace, carried in a procession by children to the church of San Pietro Apostolo. There are also exhibitions, the "Balconi Tour" featuring performances in the most picturesque corners of the historic center, and the treasure hunt in local dialect, "An gir par al pais".
Founded in 2011 as Rosso di Maggio and renamed Rosa e Rosso di Maggio in 2017, the festival has become a defining event for Gattinara and the entire Upper Piedmont region. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a territory with a great winemaking tradition, stroll through medieval streets, and experience the hospitality of a community that rallies around its wines and traditions.
L'edizione 2026 di Rosa e Rosso di Maggio si è tenuta sabato 30 e domenica 31 maggio nel centro storico di Gattinara. La manifestazione ha aperto sabato alle 14.30 con mercatini, stand gastronomici, animazione per bambini, spettacoli diffusi e musica dal vivo, in concomitanza con Cantine Aperte del Movimento Turismo del Vino.
Tra gli appuntamenti più attesi: la Pink Run (ore 18.00), l'accensione della Lampada della Pace con il concerto del GattinArs Ensemble, il "Balconi Tour" con spettacoli negli angoli del centro storico, il concerto della Stomp Groove Band su corso Cavour e il dj set in piazza Cinema Italia. Domenica la festa è proseguita per l'intera giornata con mercatini, degustazioni e concerti realizzati con la Scuola di Musica Sonoria di Cossato.
Gattinara is located in the province of Vercelli, along the state road 142. By car: A26 motorway (exit Romagnano-Ghemme) or A4 (exit Carisio/Greggio). By train: Gattinara station on the Novara-Varallo line. During the event, the historic center is pedestrianized.
Access to the festival is free. Wine tastings and food at taverns and stalls are paid.
Pro Loco of Gattinara, tel. +39 0163 824394. Official event website: visitgattinara.it.
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Centro storico di Gattinara