Santo Stefano Patronal Festival

The patronal festival of Antignano

The Santo Stefano Patronal Festival is the main summer event in Antignano, a town in the Province of Asti located among the Monferrato hills in Piedmont. Dedicated to the town's patron saint, the festival traditionally takes place around the first Sunday of August and spans four consecutive evenings, turning the town center into a major gathering point for residents and visitors alike.

Where it takes place

The heart of the festival is Piazza Gioco del Pallone, where the food stand and the stage for performances are set up each evening. The stands generally open in the early evening, and the square remains lively until late at night, with the public gathering around open-air tables in the best tradition of Piedmontese village festivals.

Music, food, and events

The program, curated by the Antignano Pro Loco, alternates evenings dedicated to live music, DJ sets, dance orchestras, and tribute bands, with offerings designed for audiences of all ages. The food stand is one of the main attractions: past editions have featured staples of Asti and Piedmontese cuisine such as agnolotti, tajarin, raw beef, vitello tonnato, insalata bergera, peppers, tomini cheese, sausages, and mixed grills, alongside themed evenings (the "grigliata" or mixed fried food) and homemade desserts.

Wines and local products

Antignano is located in one of the most renowned wine-growing areas in Piedmont: the stand offers local wines from the Asti region, starting with Barbera d'Asti, accompanied by excellent craft beers. The festival is therefore also an opportunity to discover the food and wine of the Monferrato hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A community tradition

More than just an event, the Santo Stefano Patronal Festival represents a moment of identity for the Antignano community. Everything revolves around the volunteer work of the Pro Loco and local associations, who renew the appointment every year. The evenings have free admission and are often accompanied by charity lotteries, confirming the strong bond between the festival and the town's social life.