November 6, 2026 – November 8, 2026 · Monticelli d'Ongina (PC)
Experience the 28th edition of Il San Martino di Monticelli, a vibrant three-day festival dedicated to celebrating traditional rural life. Enjoy dialect comedy, a lively parade of historical floats, demonstrations of ancient crafts, charming old-fashioned games, and friendly farm challenges. Indulge in authentic local dishes, while the enchanting music of piffero, accordion, and traditional songs from the Po River to the Apennines fills the air. Don't miss the guided tour by FAI and visits to the historic Rocca Pallavicino.
Savor the authentic flavors of the region with traditional dishes that capture the essence of local culinary heritage, offering a true taste of Monticelli's gastronomic traditions.
The festival kicks off on Friday, November 6th, at 9:00 PM with 'Al Zio Gio'' (a three-act dialect comedy by Angelo Cattadori) at the Teatrino della Rocca. Saturday, November 7th, features music by Mariola e Marübeň at 7:00 PM at the Scuole Elementari, followed by the 'Sfida tra le cascine' (farm challenge) at 8:00 PM on Via Martiri della Libertà. Later, at 9:30 PM, enjoy 'Spunciaporci' with Roberto Tubino (piffero) and Andrea Nicolini (accordion) at the Scuole Elementari. Sunday, November 8th, begins at 10:00 AM with a guided tour by FAI in Piazza Casali. At 12:00 PM, 'Tratturià dlà rasdura' offers traditional dishes in Piazza Casali, accompanied by the Bandella delle 4 province playing songs and music from the Po to the Apennines. More music from Batarò e Ganassèn and Marìola e Marubeň will be at the Scuole Elementari. The afternoon highlights include a parade of historical floats and ancient crafts at 2:30 PM on Via Martiri della Libertà, followed by stables and 'battesimo della sella' (first riding experience) at 3:00 PM in Parco della Rocca. At 4:00 PM, enjoy a puppet show and old-fashioned games in the Kids Area at Parco della Rocca. Throughout the day, visit the Museo del Po, Acquario, and Cappella del Bembo at Rocca Pallavicino. Don't miss 'L'incanto dell'incanto' (a rural auction) at the Scuole Elementari and the 'Palo della cuccagna' (greasy pole climb) in Piazza Massimo D'Azeglio. The festival concludes with music from the 4 provinces featuring Stefano Valla & Daniele Scurati (piffero and accordion) at 6:00 PM at the Scuole Elementari.