Tajarin and Bagna Freida Festival

A new festival in the heart of the Asti Monferrato

The Tajarin and Bagna Freida Festival makes its debut in Villafranca d'Asti (province of Asti, Piedmont) with its first edition. Organized by the Villafranca d'Asti Pro Loco, the event celebrates two cornerstones of local traditional cuisine, bringing the authentic aromas and flavors of the Asti hills—part of the UNESCO World Heritage viticultural landscape—to the town square.

The stars: tajarin and bagna frèida

Tajarin are the ultra-thin egg-based tagliolini of the Piedmontese tradition, kneaded with an abundance of egg yolks that make them a true local delicacy; they are best enjoyed tossed in meat ragù or, in the colder season, with prized white truffle. Alongside them is the town's true specialty: bagna frèida (or bagna férgia), the summer, cold version of the famous bagna cauda. Unlike the latter, which is served hot, bagna frèida is an authentic, standalone dish codified in the Codice della Cucina Autentica Astigiana by gastronome Giovanni Goria. Anchovies are worked with garlic to create a fine paste, diluted with olive oil; summer vegetables are then dipped into the sauce, following the convivial ritual typical of Piedmont.

A tradition turned into a celebration

Villafranca d'Asti has always been linked to this preparation, which over the years has also been celebrated as part of VininVilla, the wine and bagna frèida festival. With this new dedicated festival, the Municipality and the Pro Loco are relaunching the town's gastronomic identity, offering residents and visitors an evening of fine food, wine from the Asti hills, and conviviality.

What to expect

• Tastings of tajarin prepared according to Piedmontese tradition
• Bagna frèida served with seasonal vegetables, following the authentic Villafranca recipe
• DOC and DOCG wines from the province of Asti to pair with the dishes
• A convivial atmosphere in the center of Villafranca d'Asti, from Friday evening until late at night

The event takes place in the center of Villafranca d'Asti, with the Pro Loco (Piazza Goria 3) serving as the organizational hub. An ideal opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Asti province and its most genuine flavors.