Suno Strawberry Grape Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Novara region

The Strawberry Grape Festival is the quintessential summer event in Suno, a town of just over two thousand inhabitants nestled between the rice paddies and hills of the lower Novara region, in Piedmont. For over forty years, the last week of August has drawn thousands of visitors from across the Province of Novara and the nearby Vergante and Lake Maggiore areas, all attracted by the scent of traditional festival cuisine and the genuine atmosphere of a true community celebration.

Strawberry grapes, the star of the table

The absolute star is the strawberry grape, a rustic and highly fragrant variety that grows on pergolas and in courtyards throughout the Suno area, giving the event its name. Much of the gastronomic offering revolves around this fruit with its characteristic strawberry aroma: from fresh bunches to desserts, jams, and traditional Novara rural products. Every evening, under the marquees of the Viale Voli event area, local food and wine specialties are served, accompanied by regional wines.

Music, dancing, and themed evenings

The festival is about more than just food: every evening features live music starting late in the evening, with ballroom orchestras, tribute bands dedicated to the greats of Italian music, cover bands, and themed nights ranging from 90s hits to Latin nights. It is a proven formula that brings together families and older generations who love to dance with younger crowds, in an atmosphere of joy that lasts until late at night.

The bond with the Patronal Feast of Saints Genesius

The event traditionally takes place in conjunction with the Patronal Feast of Saints Genesius, the patron saints of Suno, celebrated around August 25th. Alongside the food and musical events curated by Pro Mottoscarone, the civil calendar intertwines with the religious one: church celebrations, the opening of the "scurolo" (shrine), and the solemn mass mark the days of the festival, recalling the devotional origins of an event deeply rooted in the town's history.

A tradition spanning generations

Born in the 1980s through the initiative of Pro Mottoscarone, the Strawberry Grape Festival has become a landmark for the entire Suno community and neighboring towns over the years. Its longevity testifies to the ability of local volunteers to keep regional traditions alive, showcasing a humble yet iconic agricultural product and offering visitors an authentic Piedmontese festival experience, far from the major tourist circuits and rich in human warmth.