Veal Rib Steak Festival - San Rocco Feast

The San Rocco Feast in Priocca

In the heart of the Roero region, nestled among the hills rising from Cuneo toward the Langhe, the town of Priocca (Cuneo province, Piedmont) celebrates one of its most cherished annual events: the San Rocco Patronal Feast. The absolute star of the show is the Veal Rib Steak Festival, a food and wine event that has drawn food lovers and curious visitors to this small village for over twenty years during the Ferragosto holiday.

A showcase of Piedmontese meat traditions

The heart of the festival is the Pro Loco di Priocca kitchen, which transforms Via and Piazza Roma into a massive open-air dining room for four nights. The undisputed queen is the veal rib steak, served in portions of over half a kilo and grilled to perfection, but the menu is a true journey through Piedmont's carnivorous heritage:

• Hand-cut Scottona beef tartare and boards of local cured meats and cheeses;
• Tongue in sauce and friciule (savory fried dough) with lardo;
• Mixed skewers, sausages, chicken legs, and roast suckling pig;
• Agnolotti and other traditional Langhe-style pasta dishes;
• Homemade desserts, all washed down with Roero wines, beer, and cocktails.

No reservations are required: simply find a seat under the tents and order à la carte, from appetizers to dessert.

Music, entertainment, and village atmosphere

The Veal Rib Steak Festival is about more than just food. Every evening, starting in the late afternoon, the musical aperitif kicks off the festivities, followed by dinner at the stalls. The night continues with a mix of live concerts, musical performances, comedy shows, dancing, and entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere that brings together the entire village and the surrounding Roero towns.

A staple of the Roero and Langhe calendar

Part of the summer festival circuit in the Cuneo area, the event is organized by the Pro Loco di Priocca and offers a chance to discover an authentic corner of Piedmontese gastronomy, just a few kilometers from Alba and the UNESCO World Heritage hills of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. With free admission, a convivial atmosphere, and some of the best local cuisine, this festival is a must-visit mid-August destination.