Rural Games Without Borders
The closing festival of the Transumè project in Armeno, featuring traditional games, wool crafts, and local flavors.
About Rural Games Without Borders
A celebration of rural tradition in Armeno
The Rural Games Without Borders serve as the grand finale of the Transumè project, promoted by the Sportway APS association with the support of the Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo. The event takes place in the town of Armeno, a charming village in the Province of Novara overlooking Lake Orta, in the square facing the Church of Santa Maria Assunta on Via Luigi Cadorna.
This initiative represents the culmination of a journey dedicated to rediscovering transhumance and the wisdom of pastoral life, aiming to strengthen the bond between the land, the community, and its traditions. For one Sunday, the heart of Armeno comes alive with the rhythms and games of traditional peasant life.
Rural games for children and teenagers
The stars of the day are children and teenagers aged 8 to 16, who compete in teams in skill-based challenges inspired by activities of the past:
- Tug-of-war
- Wheelbarrow race
- The "sheep and wolves" game
- Other outdoor trials and traditional games
Registration for the games is free and available both online and directly on the day of the event.
Wool, flavors, and the Shepherd's Snack
Alongside the games, the festival offers a journey through local crafts and produce. Stalls from local agricultural and dairy producers open in the morning, offering tastings of traditional products. There will also be a demonstration of wool carding and spinning, led by Vittoria Maulini, who brings to life the artisanal skills linked to shepherding.
In the afternoon, the final presentation of the Transumè project is accompanied by the Shepherd's Snack, a convivial moment featuring local delicacies. The day continues with traditional barn dancing animated by the Quadrat Duo and concludes with the awards ceremony and final farewells.
An event for the whole community
The Rural Games Without Borders are designed to involve the entire Armeno community and highlight a cultural heritage that continues to tell the story of the region. The event is free and open to everyone, with free games for younger participants, and is part of the traditional event calendar of Lake Orta and the Province of Novara, in Piedmont.
Rural Games Without Borders — edition 2026
The 2026 Rural Games Without Borders concluded the Transumè project in Armeno, in the Novara area. The day began at 11:30 AM with the opening of local producer stalls and tastings of traditional products, followed by a demonstration of wool carding and spinning by Vittoria Maulini.
In the afternoon, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, teenagers aged 8 to 16 competed in teams in rural games: tug-of-war, wheelbarrow races, the "sheep and wolves" game, and other skill trials. At 4:30 PM, the final presentation of the project and the Shepherd's Snack took place, followed by barn dancing with the Quadrat Duo. The day ended at 6:00 PM with the awards ceremony and farewells.
Programme Rural Games Without Borders 2026
Program for Sunday, March 29, 2026
- 11:30 AM — Opening of local producer stalls and tasting of traditional products
- 12:30 PM — Registration for games and wool carding/spinning demonstration (Vittoria Maulini)
- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM — Team-based rural games for kids aged 8-16: tug-of-war, wheelbarrow race, "sheep and wolves", and other trials
- 4:30 PM — Final presentation of the Transumè project and Shepherd's Snack
- Following — Barn dancing with the Quadrat Duo
- 6:00 PM — Awards ceremony and final farewells
Highlights Rural Games Without Borders 2026
- Team-based rural games for children and teenagers (8-16 years old)
- Wool-working demonstration: carding and spinning
- Stalls and tastings from local producers
- Shepherd's Snack and barn dancing with the Quadrat Duo
- Closing event of the Transumè project on transhumance
Prices Rural Games Without Borders 2026
Practical information — Rural Games Without Borders
How to get there
Armeno is located on the Novara side of Lake Orta, in Piedmont. By car, it can be reached via the A26 motorway (Borgomanero or Arona exits), continuing towards Lake Orta. The nearest train station is Orta-Miasino, on the Novara-Domodossola line.
Where to park
Recommended parking near the center: Piazza della Vittoria, Viale Luigi Cadorna, Via Mottarone, and Via Bagnalera.
Admission and registration
Admission is free. Registration for the rural games (for ages 8-16) is available online and on the day of the event. The event takes place in the square in front of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
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Where does it take place — Rural Games Without Borders
Spiazzo antistante la Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
Via Luigi Cadorna, 28011 Armeno