October 25, 2026 · Brinzio (VA)
Join us in Brinzio for the Festa attorno alla Grà, a celebration of chestnuts and the ancient 'Grà' structure used to dry them. You'll see live demonstrations of how the Grà works and the traditional chestnut threshing process. Throughout the day, explore the charming village, visit the Museum of Prealpine Rural Culture, and browse a market featuring local products. Don't miss tasting 'mondelle' (roasted chestnuts), white chestnuts with warm milk and honey, and beef braised with chestnuts and polenta.
Indulge in a delightful array of Italian treats, from warm brioches, coffee, cappuccino, and hot chocolate for breakfast to hearty main courses. Savor rustic lasagna with porcini mushrooms and sausage, fresh pasta with ragù, or creamy 'polenta concia'. Try the unique pumpkin tortelli with butter, sage, and amaretti crumbs. For a true taste of the region, enjoy white chestnuts with warm milk and local Brinzio honey, or slow-cooked Piedmontese beef braised with Brinzio chestnuts, served with polenta. Other options include ribs with polenta, liver mortadella with polenta and mushrooms, and polenta with Gorgonzola. For street food, grab 'mondelle' (roasted chestnuts), vegetarian sandwiches, fries, or polenta and sandwiches with wild boar sausage and 'salamella'.
📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026 – Festa attorno alla Grà 09:00 🍽️ Start your day with breakfast featuring warm brioches, coffee, cappuccino, and hot chocolate at the Bar del Parco Comunale. 10:00 📍 Attend a public conference on Brinzio chestnuts and the new DeCo certification at the Museo della Cultura Rurale Prealpina. 10:30 The festival officially opens. 11:00 The local market opens in Piazza Galvaligi and Via Trieste. 11:00 Watch as 'mondelle' (roasted chestnuts) begin cooking in traditional iron pans at La Grà. 11:30 🍽️ A mini food stand opens at La Grà. 11:30 🍽️ The full gastronomic stand opens at the Parco Comunale. 14:00 Enjoy guided tours to discover the charming village. Throughout the day: Witness demonstrations of the Grà in action and the threshing of dried chestnuts; taste white chestnuts with warm milk and honey; and visit the Museo della Cultura Rurale Prealpina. 18:30 The festival concludes.