Sant'Anna — Spiedino Festival

The Villastellone Patronal Feast

Every year, around July 26th, the town of Villastellone — in the Province of Turin, nestled in the Piedmontese plains between Carmagnola and Moncalieri — celebrates its patron saint, Sant'Anna, with a long-standing tradition: the Spiedino Festival. Organized with care by the Pro Loco Villastellone Tourist Association, the festival is one of the two major culinary highlights of the year (the other being the San Bartolomeo Fish Festival) and is a time when the whole community gathers in the square for a few nights of celebration.

The Skewers: The Stars of the Table

The heart of the festival is its food. At the Pro Loco headquarters on Viale Gennero 5, volunteers set up large pavilions with table service, where the specialty is, naturally, the spiedino (skewer), accompanied by side dishes and other local culinary offerings. This is where the Pro Loco truly shines, serving simple, hearty, and authentic cuisine that draws residents and visitors from neighboring towns every year. Takeaway service is generally available for those who prefer it.

Music and Dancing in Piazza Libertà

While dinner is served at the headquarters, Piazza Libertà becomes the stage for dance nights. The festival offers several evenings of live music and dancing with free admission, featuring traditional Piedmontese ballroom music played by local orchestras, alternating with more modern DJ sets. Over the years, the event has hosted well-known names in ballroom entertainment, creating the warm, family-friendly atmosphere that is the hallmark of Piedmontese village festivals.

A Community Tradition

The Spiedino Festival is more than just a culinary event; it is a collective ritual that binds religious devotion to Sant'Anna, local identity, and the joy of being together. For Villastellone, it is one of the most cherished moments of the summer, enlivening the town center and attracting crowds from across the area south of Turin. It is an ideal stop for those looking to discover the authenticity of Piedmontese festivals, far from the typical tourist circuits.