Stockfish in the Square and Stockfish Throwing Competition

A uniquely Silvanese tradition

There is one day in spring when the streets of Silvano d'Orba transform into a unique racecourse. It is the day of Stockfish in the Square and the Stockfish Throwing Competition, one of the most distinctive and charming events in the Alto Monferrato. This small town in the province of Alessandria, nestled in the hills of the Ovadese just a few kilometers from the Ligurian border, celebrates a tradition that skillfully mixes fine food, folklore, and community spirit.

Polenta, stockfish, and a throwing challenge

The day begins in the morning in Piazza Cesare Battisti, the heart of the historic center, where volunteers from the Pro Loco of Silvano d'Orba prepare and serve the specialty that gives the event its name: polenta with stockfish, a traditional peasant dish that becomes the absolute star here, also available for takeaway. The dried cod, the famous stocafisce dear to the cuisine of the North-West, tells of the ancient ties between these hills and the Ligurian ports from which it arrived along the salt and trade routes.

In the afternoon, the festival comes alive with the Stockfish Throwing spectacle, which winds through the town streets. Competitors race in pairs and must complete a set course by throwing a piece of stockfish, trying to finish the entire route with the fewest throws possible. A judge marks the spot where the stockfish lands with a circle, from which the next throw begins: a sort of village golf, ironic and engaging, that brings laughter to both participants and the public.

A challenge for everyone, from children to adults

The competition is designed to involve the entire community. The categories include pairs of adults (men or women), mixed pairs, as well as categories dedicated to teenagers and children, so that every generation can try their hand at this curious discipline. It is this inclusive and family-friendly dimension that makes the event an authentic moment of gathering for Silvano d'Orba and the neighboring towns of the Ovadese.

The meaning of the festival

Beyond the fun, the event retains a strong sense of solidarity and community, in the best tradition of Piedmontese Pro Loco associations: the event has always been an opportunity to support local initiatives and keep the memory of the town's customs alive. In a region like Piedmont, which is rich in food festivals and traditional celebrations, the Stockfish Throwing Competition of Silvano d'Orba stands out for its originality, capable of transforming a humble traditional dish into a highly anticipated and identity-defining event.