Saint Mark and the Cuchi Festival
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions

Saint Mark and the Cuchi Festival

The festival of the patron saint and love whistles in Canove di Roana

Roana — Vicenza (024)
Dates 24 Apr — 02 May 2026
Location Roana (024)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival

Between late April and early May, Canove di Roana celebrates its patron saint, Saint Mark, with the Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival, dedicated to the 'cuchi', the typical terracotta whistles of the Altopiano. For six days, the Palazzetto Polifunzionale hosts a food stand with gnocchi, roasts, and polenta, live music, a funfair, dance lessons, and the Mercatino San Marcà (Saint Mark's Market). The 'cuchi', once a token of love, are the original symbol of the festival.

Saint Mark and the Cuchi of Canove

The Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival is the patronal feast of Canove, a hamlet of Roana on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni (Seven Municipalities Plateau), in the province of Vicenza. It is celebrated around April 25th, a date that combines the commemoration of Saint Mark, patron saint of Canove, with Liberation Day. The name refers to the 'cuchi', the characteristic handmade terracotta whistles, a typical expression of local craftsmanship.

The Cuchi, Token of Love

The 'cuchi' tell a fascinating tradition: in the past, lovers would give them to their beloved as a token of love. Made of terracotta, they range from traditional shapes to water cuchi, capable of producing a characteristic gurgling sound. The Mercatino San Marcà, now in its seventh edition, offers them along with crafts, local products, and traditional objects.

Gastronomy, Music, and Funfair

The festival, spread over six days at the Palazzetto Polifunzionale in Canove, revolves around the food stand: gnocchi, roasts, polenta, venison, cod, mixed grills, and lamb skewers, with takeaway options. Every evening features live music with local and regional bands, while the funfair in Canove is open throughout the event. There is also space for free dance lessons and ballroom dancing.

A Festival of the Altopiano

Organized by the Pro Loco Canove, the festival involves residents and visitors with markets and entertainment for all ages, confirming itself as one of the most characteristic spring events on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni.

Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival — edition 2026

The Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival 2026 takes place in Canove di Roana from April 24th to 26th and from April 30th to May 2nd, at the Palazzetto Polifunzionale. Food stand with gnocchi, roasts, and polenta, live music every evening, funfair, free dance lessons, and the 7th edition of the Mercatino San Marcà.

The 2026 edition of the Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival is held in Canove di Roana in two periods: from April 24th to 26th and from April 30th to May 2nd, at the Palazzetto Polifunzionale. April 25th, the feast of the patron saint Saint Mark and Liberation Day, is the main day.

The food stand offers gnocchi, roasts, polenta, venison, cod, mixed grills, and lamb skewers, with evening service and lunch on holidays, and takeaway options. Every evening features live music, while the 7th edition of the Mercatino San Marcà, the funfair, and dance lessons complete the program.

Programme Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival 2026

Friday, April 24th and Sunday, April 26th

  • Food stand from 7:00 PM; evening live music

Saturday, April 25th (Saint Mark and Liberation Day)

  • Food service for lunch (12:00 PM) and dinner (7:00 PM)
  • Mercatino San Marcà (7th edition) all day
  • Evening entertainment

Sunday, April 26th

  • 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM — Free dance lessons, followed by ballroom dancing

Thursday, April 30th and Friday, May 1st

  • Lunch and dinner food service with live music

Saturday, May 2nd

  • Evening food service and music

Menu: gnocchi, roasts, polenta, venison, cod, mixed grill, lamb skewers (also takeaway). Funfair open throughout the festival.

Highlights Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival 2026

The 'cuchi', the terracotta love whistles, the 7th edition of the Mercatino San Marcà, and live music every evening.

Prices Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival 2026

<p>Free admission. Food and drinks payable at the food stand. Free dance lessons.</p>

Practical information — Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival

Location

Palazzetto Polifunzionale of Canove, hamlet of Roana (VI), Altopiano dei Sette Comuni, Veneto.

How to get here

By car: from the A31 motorway (Piovene Rocchette exit), head towards the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni; Canove is located along the road to Asiago.

Opening Hours and Admission

Free admission. Food stand open in the evenings from 7:00 PM and for lunch on holidays. Dishes also available for takeaway.

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Where does it take place — Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival

Palazzetto Polifunzionale di Canove

Palazzetto Polifunzionale, Canove di Roana, 36010 Roana

Contact Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival

Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Art crafts Crafts Ceramics Outdoor Free Vicenza

History of Saint Mark and Cuchi Festival