Sagra della Castagna di Corna Imagna

Corna Imagna, capital of the chestnut

In the Municipality of Corna Imagna (Province of Bergamo), the chestnut is not just a seasonal fruit: it is part of the village's identity. This is evidenced by the centuries-old chestnut groves surrounding the town and the community's deep connection with this mountain crop. It is here that every autumn the Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut Festival) comes to life, promoted by the young people of the Cooperativa Giovani Orme (Young Footprints Cooperative), an organization founded to enhance the Valle Imagna territory and provide work for disadvantaged people.

Not just one day

The festival is not limited to a single day: throughout October, the village experiences a true chestnut-themed month, with initiatives, self-harvesting in the chestnut groves, and chestnut-based dishes offered in the valley. The cooperative also acts as a collection center, where small producers from the valley can sell their chestnuts at a fair price, with the fruits then used for the festival or destined for the market.

The festival day

The heart of the event is a Sunday at the end of October at the Parco degli Alpini (Alpine Park). From the early afternoon, braziers are lit for roasted chestnuts (caldarroste), accompanied by mulled wine (vin brulé), while musical entertainment by local musicians and workshops for children fill the afternoon. Those who wish can also experience direct harvesting in the chestnut groves, guided by the owners of the trees.

It is an authentic event, far from the more touristy festivals, where Valle Imagna tells its story through its symbolic product and the commitment of a new generation determined to renew tradition.