Spring Festival and Golden Tench of the Pianalto Astigiano Festival

A festival in the heart of the Pianalto Astigiano

The Spring Festival and Golden Tench of the Pianalto Astigiano Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the town of Valfenera, in the Province of Asti, in the heart of Piedmont. For three days in early June, the Piazza T. Villa Municipal Park transforms into a vibrant celebration space where gastronomy, music, and folk tradition meet. The event, organized by the Valfenera Pro Loco with the patronage of the Municipality, is also known as Birrifici in Piazza & Street Food and has become a landmark for the entire Pianalto Astigiano region.

The Golden Tench, queen of the table

At the heart of the festival is the Tinca Gobba Dorata del Pianalto, a freshwater fish with a characteristic yellowish-red hue and a distinct hump near the cervical vertebrae. Raised for centuries in the historic fish ponds of the Pianalto di Poirino—a territory spanning the provinces of Turin, Asti, and Cuneo—the tench received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Commission in 2008. In Valfenera, it is served according to tradition, fried or marinated in carpione, representing an authentic pillar of rural culture and local identity.

Piedmontese culinary traditions

Beyond the tench, the festival offers the great classics of Asti and Piedmontese cuisine. The menu features:

• Traditional Agnolotti
• Vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce) and typical appetizers
• The famous mixed grill ("grigliatissima")
• Homemade desserts
• A selection of craft beers from local breweries and excellent local wines

Music, dancing, and street food

The festival is more than just food: every evening is accompanied by live music, DJ sets, and dancing, with a dedicated area for craft breweries and street food managed by the Pro Loco. On Sunday, there is also a family-friendly area with a traveling toy library, engaging both adults and children in an atmosphere of genuine village conviviality.

Why attend

The Valfenera Tench Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover a unique PDO product and experience the authentic atmosphere of Piedmontese festivals. With outdoor dining, the aromas of traditional cooking, and music late into the night, the event tells the story of the Pianalto Astigiano's soul and the passion of a community that has guarded this tradition for over twenty years.