Sausage Festival and Barrel Race

A festival that smells of sausage and tradition

Every year in early July, Castelnuovo Don Bosco—a village in the Monferrato region of the Province of Asti, in Piedmont—becomes the stage for one of its most cherished events: the Sausage Festival, known in the local dialect as the Sautissa. For three days, Piazza Italia and the streets of the historic center are filled with aromas, music, and color in a celebration that blends gastronomy, folklore, and community spirit.

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Castelnuovo Don Bosco with the patronage of the Municipality: a collective effort by volunteers that draws visitors from across the hilly area between the Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero regions every summer.

The food stand

The delicious heart of the festival is the food stand, open every evening. The absolute star is the local sausage, served in traditional dishes and more creative recipes, accompanied by local DOC wines: Freisa and Malvasia from Castelnuovo Don Bosco, symbols of a town that proudly bears the title of "wine village." It is the perfect opportunity to discover the most authentic Piedmontese cuisine in a convivial atmosphere accessible to everyone.

The Barrel Race

The most anticipated and spectacular moment is the Barrel Race, a folk competition that has defined the event for years. The town's neighborhoods compete by rolling heavy barrels along a course through the town center: a test of strength, technique, and teamwork that highlights the region's deep connection to wine culture. The competition consists of qualifying rounds and head-to-head races, culminating in the final that crowns the winning neighborhood. There is also a version for the little ones, the Butaj Baby Race, which involves children in a family-friendly race.

Parade and evenings in the square

Alongside the race, the festival features the Neighborhood Parade with characteristic floats and a series of musical evenings and entertainment that fill Piazza Italia until late at night, including DJ sets, shows, and social gatherings. It is an event that unites different generations and keeps the identity of Castelnuovo Don Bosco, the birthplace of Saint John Bosco, alive.

When to go

The Sausage Festival is traditionally held on the first weekend of July. It is the perfect occasion to combine the festivities with a walk through the hills of the Asti Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its vineyard landscapes.