Summer in the Square – Bread Festival
The historic S.O.M.S. oven is fired up once again in the heart of Guardabosone
About Guardabosone Bread Festival
The Guardabosone Bread Festival
In Guardabosone, a charming village perched in the Valsesia valley in the Province of Vercelli, the arrival of summer revives an ancient craft: baking in the historic oven of the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso (S.O.M.S.). This is the Bread Festival, the most cherished event of the Summer in the Square series, which brings the village to life from June to September with theater, music, and social gatherings.
An oven with a story of solidarity
The historic oven was once used to provide bread at cost to less fortunate citizens, in keeping with the mutual aid spirit of 19th-century workers' societies. After remaining silent for many years, it was reignited in 2011 by the association's board, successfully restoring a tradition that blends historical memory with community celebration. Today, the proceeds from the day continue to support the S.O.M.S.'s charitable activities, ranging from lending medical equipment to assisting families in need.
Micconi, long tables, and community spirit
On Sunday morning, the oven is fired up early to bake soft white and rye micconi, which are distributed for free until they run out. At noon, the festivities move along Via Mazzini, where organizers set up long tables for a street lunch, preceded by an aperitif and accompanied by dishes prepared by the association's volunteers. It is a day that, as the locals say, is spent "in serenity and friendship," attracting both residents and visitors from neighboring towns.
Part of the Summer in the Square series
The Bread Festival is a highlight of Summer in the Square, Guardabosone's summer calendar sponsored by Visit Valsesia, the Province of Vercelli, the Unione Montana dei Comuni della Valsesia, and the Fondazione CRT. Alongside the bread, the program features theater evenings, live music, DJ sets, and wellness events, turning the village's squares and courtyards into intimate open-air stages. It is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most picturesque villages in Valsesia.
Guardabosone Bread Festival — edition 2026
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the historic oven of the Workers' Mutual Aid Society of Guardabosone was fired up once again for the Bread Festival. From 11:00 AM, the morning was dedicated to baking and distributing soft micconi, followed by the traditional street lunch with long tables set up by S.O.M.S. volunteers. The event was part of the rich Summer in the Square 2026 program, scheduled in Guardabosone from June to September.
Programme Guardabosone Bread Festival 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026
- From 11:00 AM — Bread Festival at the historic S.O.M.S. oven: baking and free distribution of white and rye micconi until they run out
- At noon — Street lunch along Via Mazzini, with an aperitif and dishes prepared by the association's volunteers
Other Summer in the Square 2026 events
- Friday, June 5, 6:00 PM — "Summer Vibes", start-of-summer party with live music and DJ sets at Agriturismo La Burla
- Friday, June 5, 9:00 PM — "Pianoforte vendesi", theater play by Le tre Cavaglie in Piazza della Repubblica
- Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM — "Barlafüs Summer Party" at Osteria La Barrique, with food, drinks, and music
- Sunday, June 21, 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM — International Yoga Day, with conferences, experiences, and celebrations
- Sunday, June 21, 6:00 PM — "A Midsummer Night's Dream", directed by Alice Salvaldi with the adult theater group IncontrArti, in the Parish House garden
Highlights Guardabosone Bread Festival 2026
The most anticipated moment remains the baking of the micconi in the historic S.O.M.S. oven and the street lunch along Via Mazzini, the convivial heart of the Bread Festival.
Prices Guardabosone Bread Festival 2026
Practical information — Guardabosone Bread Festival
Getting there
Guardabosone is located in the Valsesia valley, in the Province of Vercelli (Piedmont), in the lower valley. By car, it can be reached via the A26 motorway, taking the Romagnano Sesia-Ghemme exit and continuing towards Valsesia. The village is compact: events take place in the historic center, along Via Mazzini, and in the village squares.
Where and when
The Bread Festival is held at the historic S.O.M.S. oven, with the distribution of micconi and the street lunch taking place along Via Mazzini. Other Summer in the Square events are held in Piazza della Repubblica, in the Parish House garden, and at various local venues.
Information and contacts
For information, please contact the Municipality of Guardabosone (tel. +39 015 761118) or the local S.O.M.S. office. For lunch events, booking with the participating venues is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Guardabosone Bread Festival
Antico forno della S.O.M.S.
Via Mazzini, 13010 Guardabosone