Villa Lesa Alpini Group Alpine Festival

A village festival hosted by the 'penne nere'

The Villa Lesa Alpini Group Alpine Festival is one of the most deeply rooted popular celebrations in the Vergante area, on the Novara shore of Lake Maggiore. Organized by the Alpini Group of Villa, a hamlet in the municipality of Lesa (Province of Novara, Piedmont), the event celebrates its 51st edition in 2026: over half a century of volunteering, tradition, and dedication to the village by the local Alpini.

Like all Alpine festivals, the one in Villa Lesa is born from the voluntary commitment of the Alpini Group members and is founded on simple, authentic values: togetherness, solidarity, and a strong bond with the community. For a few days, the village becomes the heart of local life, with a large space dedicated to food, communal tables, and intergenerational gatherings.

Alpine cuisine and conviviality

The heart of the festival has always been the food stand, managed directly by the Alpini and their families. The tradition of Piedmontese Alpine festivals favors hearty, genuine mountain dishes: the event is the perfect occasion to gather around the table in good company, accompanied by music and a warm atmosphere, in the familiar climate that is the true hallmark of events organized by the 'penne nere'.

Admission to the event is free: you only pay for what you consume at the food stand and bar. Following the Alpine spirit, the proceeds are traditionally donated to the Group's activities and to solidarity initiatives in support of the Lesa community and the surrounding area.

Lesa and the Vergante

Lesa is a small town overlooking Lake Maggiore, located in one of the most picturesque areas of Piedmont, nestled between the hills of the Vergante and the waters of the lake. The hamlet of Villa, where the festival takes place, retains the intimate atmosphere of a village, far from the worldliness of more famous lakeside resorts. Participating in the Alpine Festival means experiencing a piece of authentic village life, where Alpine tradition remains a cornerstone for the entire community.