Runditt Festival – Runditt, turtei and Turte ad San Per

A festival preserving the flavors of the Vigezzo Valley

In the heart of Malesco, a charming village in the Vigezzo Valley (Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, Piedmont), the Runditt Festival has become a highly anticipated start-of-summer tradition. Officially titled Runditt, turtei e Turte ad San Per, the event is organized by the Accademia dei Runditt Association and takes place in the picturesque Parish House Garden, located in Piazza della Chiesa, right at the gateway to the Val Grande National Park.

The stars of the menu

The festival centers on runditt, an ancient dish from Vigezzo peasant cuisine recognized as a Slow Food community product and protected by the De.CO. (Municipal Denomination of Origin) label. Alongside this specialty, the festival offers other traditional local delicacies:

• Turtei: savory stuffed dumplings from the Ossola peasant tradition;
• Turte ad San Per: a cake associated with the patronal feast of Saint Peter;
• Paste rustide: rustic pasta prepared according to local customs.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the experience, the festival also provides gluten-free and vegan options, reflecting its commitment to a diverse audience.

Music, culture, and heritage

Beyond the gastronomy, the event features live music, themed tours, and cultural highlights. A particular favorite is the Dining with the Ancients tour at the Val Grande National Park Museum, which explores the dietary habits of the past. The permanent exhibition Bringing the Village Back to Life rounds out the experience, focusing on the historical memory, ancient crafts, and traditions of Malesco.

A sustainable event

The Runditt Festival is a plastic-free event: it uses washable and compostable tableware in line with the principles of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), of which the Val Grande region is a member. This choice perfectly balances the promotion of culinary heritage with respect for the surrounding alpine environment.

Why it's worth attending

Visiting the Runditt Festival means discovering one of the most authentic traditions of the Vigezzo Valley, savoring dishes that tell centuries of peasant history, and experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of a mountain village. With its mix of flavor, culture, and nature, Malesco offers the perfect weekend getaway to immerse yourself in the genuine identity of the Ossola region.