Walnut and Nut Festival

The festival that kicks off autumn in the Saluzzo area

The Walnut and Nut Festival is the newest of the major food and wine events in the municipality of Villanova Solaro, a small village in the Saluzzo area of the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. Launched in 2025, the event quickly became a highly anticipated date on the September calendar, drawing thousands of visitors not only from the Cuneo area but also from Varese, Liguria, and neighboring provinces.

A tribute to walnuts and nuts

The central theme of the festival is the walnut, a fruit historically linked to the Villanova area and the tradition of the Madonna della Noce, along with the entire family of nuts. The program revolves around this product, weaving together flavors, culture, and social life while promoting agricultural crafts and the local supply chain through sustainable farming.

Pro Loco gastronomy

The beating heart of the festival is the Arena del Gusto (Taste Arena), where seven local Pro Loco associations offer traditional menus in a "street food" style: an innovative culinary formula that served nearly 3,000 meals across several sessions during its first edition. Among the most popular events is the "Mangirula", a cooking competition that tests the skills and creativity of local chefs.

Craftsmanship, wood, and culture

Alongside the food, the event highlights artisanal traditions with the "Il legno ti parla" (Wood speaks to you) exhibition, which brings together woodworkers and sculptors, as well as painting exhibitions hosted in municipal spaces like the library. There is no shortage of musical performances and activities designed for families and children, making the festival an event for all ages.

A community celebration

Organized jointly by the Municipality of Villanova Solaro and the local Pro Loco, the Walnut and Nut Festival is above all an opportunity for the town and the entire Saluzzo district to come together. Among the side initiatives of the first edition was the installation of new defibrillators in the area, a sign of an event that also looks out for the common good.