The black gold of the Mongia Valley: market stalls, truffle hunting competitions, and gala dinners
When the calendar hits early March, the village of Scagnello—a handful of houses perched in the upper Mongia Valley between Mondovì and Ceva—comes alive for its most anticipated event: the Black Truffle Festival and Market Exhibition. It is one of those gatherings that perfectly captures the spirit of the Monregalese region and the Province of Cuneo, where mountain gastronomy blends with local traditions and a strong sense of community.
The undisputed star is the Tuber Melanosporum Vitt., the prized black truffle that grows in the truffle grounds surrounding Scagnello. Since 2008, the product has been protected by the De.Co. (Municipal Designation) label, a recognition that binds the tuber inextricably to its territory. Unlike the more famous white truffle of Alba, the black truffle expresses its full potential when cooked, offering an intense aroma of forest floor, damp earth, and hay that perfumes traditional dishes.
The festival takes place over a weekend. Saturday evening kicks off with the talk "A chat about... women and truffles" and continues with the grand Gala Dinner, a menu entirely dedicated to the De.Co. black truffle. Sunday is the highlight: local producers open their stalls, the simulated truffle hunting competition with dogs takes place, and the famous Trifulao Lunch, hosted by the Pro Loco, is served. The afternoon is filled with performances, music, and workshops for the whole family.
Organized by the Municipality of Scagnello in collaboration with the Pro Loco, with the support of the Fondazione CRC and GAL Mongioie, the event has grown over time to become a reference point for truffle enthusiasts in Piedmont. For those who love discovering authentic festivals in small villages, far from the crowds of major events, Scagnello and its Mongia Valley are a must-add to your calendar.
L'edizione 2026, la ventitreesima consecutiva, ha confermato la formula vincente della festa nel centro del paese, in Piazza Giovanni XXIII a Scagnello. Due giorni di tradizione, gusto e spettacolo nel cuore della Valle Mongia, organizzati dal Comune e dalla Pro Loco con il sostegno della Fondazione CRC e del GAL Mongioie.
The festival is held in the town center, in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, in Scagnello (ZIP code 12070), in the Province of Cuneo.
By car, Scagnello can be reached from the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Mondovì or Ceva exit), then continuing along the roads of the Mongia Valley. The nearest train station is Ceva, from where you can continue by car.
The Saturday night Gala Dinner requires advance booking: please contact Luciano (+39 329 4291228) or Daniele (+39 333 9260039) by the first few days of March. The Sunday simulated hunting competition is free to attend.
Wear comfortable clothing and mountain-appropriate footwear, especially for outdoor activities. Arrive early on Sunday morning to enjoy the stalls before the crowds arrive for the Trifulao Lunch.
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Centro del paese - Piazza Giovanni XXIII
Piazza Giovanni XXIII 1, 12070 Scagnello