Under the Moon and Fireflies in the Saracen Woods — Val Sarmassa Reserve Festival
A magical night walk among fireflies, fossils, and wine in the Val Sarmassa Reserve in Vinchio
About Under the Moon and Fireflies
A night of fireflies in the heart of the Asti Monferrato
In the heart of the Monferrato hills, in the town of Vinchio (Province of Asti, Piedmont), the Val Sarmassa Nature Reserve hosts one of the region's most evocative night walks every summer: Under the Moon and Fireflies in the Saracen Woods, the highlight of the Reserve Festival. This free event is open to everyone and is organized by the Davide Lajolo Cultural Association in collaboration with the municipalities of Vinchio and Vaglio Serra, the Asti Paleontological Park, and the Cantina di Vinchio e Vaglio Serra.
The route and the legends of the Saracen Woods
The trail spans approximately 4 kilometers, alternating between paved and dirt roads with a final uphill stretch on the return. You will traverse the so-called Saracen Woods, illuminated by a sea of fireflies and the moonlight, following the paths of the Serralunga valley to the Valletto della morte, where legend says Aleramo defeated the Saracens in 935. Along the way, you will also encounter the Enchanted Forest, with its sculptures and installations, and the educational station of the Asti Paleontological Park, where you can observe fossil outcrops in an area that was once an ancient sea.
Literature, science, and tasting
The evening weaves together nature, culture, and flavor: it begins with the writings of Davide Lajolo, a writer and journalist born in Vinchio, with readings curated by his daughter Laurana Lajolo. It continues with insights from park guides on the area's geological features and concludes with a snack and a toast featuring wines from the Cantina di Vinchio e Vaglio Serra, accompanied by folk music. It is an experience that combines the charm of an Asti summer night with the discovery of a unique natural and literary heritage.
Under the Moon and Fireflies — edition 2026
L'edizione 2026 della Festa della Riserva della Valsarmassa si svolge sabato 4 luglio 2026 a Vinchio (AT). Il ritrovo è previsto al parcheggio della Riserva della Val Sarmassa, lungo la via Cortiglione, con avvio delle attività intorno alle ore 21 al Bricco di Monte del Mare. La passeggiata, gratuita e accompagnata, attraversa i boschi dei Saraceni illuminati dalle lucciole per circa 4 km, tra natura, cultura e degustazione.
Programme Under the Moon and Fireflies 2026
Sabato 4 luglio 2026
- Ore 21:00 — Accoglienza al Bricco di Monte del Mare da parte dei sindaci di Vinchio e Vaglio Serra e di Laurana Lajolo, nel Bosco Incantato tra sculture e installazioni
- Partenza della passeggiata notturna lungo i sentieri della valle di Serralunga, attraverso i boschi dei Saraceni illuminati dalle lucciole, fino al Valletto della morte
- Lettura di pagine di Davide Lajolo a cura di Laurana Lajolo
- Sosta alla stazione didattica del Parco Paleontologico Astigiano per la spiegazione dell'affioramento fossilifero
- A conclusione — Spuntino e brindisi con i vini della Cantina di Vinchio e Vaglio Serra, accompagnati da musica popolare
Percorso di circa 4 km, in parte su asfalto e in parte su strada sterrata con salita al ritorno. Si consigliano scarpe comode e una pila.
Highlights Under the Moon and Fireflies 2026
Prices Under the Moon and Fireflies 2026
Practical information — Under the Moon and Fireflies
When
The walk takes place on a summer evening, generally in early July, starting at night (around 9:00 PM).
Where
Meeting point at the Val Sarmassa Nature Reserve parking lot, along Via Cortiglione, in Vinchio (AT). The activities begin at Bricco di Monte del Mare.
Cost
Admission and participation are free.
What to bring
Comfortable hiking shoes and a flashlight are recommended for the night walk.
How to get there
Vinchio can be reached by car from the A21 motorway (Asti Est or Felizzano exits) and from the main road towards Nizza Monferrato. The Reserve is signposted near the town center.
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Where does it take place — Under the Moon and Fireflies
Riserva Naturale della Val Sarmassa
Parcheggio della Riserva Naturale della Val Sarmassa, via Cortiglione, 14040 Vinchio