Sagra · October 4, 2026 – October 25, 2026 · Caldana, Cocquio Trevisago (VA)
Nestled in the green Varese province, Caldana celebrates the queen of autumn, the chestnut, every October. This event brings the village to life with steaming roasted chestnuts, homemade cakes, local honey, and mountain cheeses. Visitors can explore the "castagneti storici" (historic chestnut groves) with guided tours, while children can enjoy nature-themed games and workshops. The festival is enriched with folk music, traditional dances, and market stalls featuring local products.
Indulge in a delightful array of homemade cakes and seasonal dishes, highlighting the star of the festival: the chestnut. Savor authentic mountain cheeses and local honey, alongside a variety of artisanal products and specialty foods. Don't miss the classic street food favorite, freshly roasted chestnuts (caldarroste).
Join us EVERY SUNDAY IN OCTOBER from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for a full day of activities: 📍 Salette SOMS: Art exhibition "La galleria degli animali" – a collective display by 30 artists from Atelier Capricorno. 📍 Salette SOMS: Showroom corner featuring art objects by Atelier Capricorno. 📍 Salette SOMS: Exhibition of material culture "VOCI DAL MARGINE - Gli oggetti raccontano..." in collaboration with Ass. Culturale Matrioska and Cooperativa Margine Vivo. 📍 Saletta Teatro: Expressive-creative workshops for children and teenagers by Ass. Culturale Matrioska. 📍 Cortile del Teatro: Falconeria Maestra with a display of birds of prey. 📍 Departure in front of Teatro SOMS at 2:30 PM: Walk along the statue trail in Sergio Terni's forest. Special events on specific Sundays: 📅 October 4, 2026: 📍 Teatro: "Mattoncini in Teatro" exhibition by Alto Verbano Bricks. 🎵 Throughout the village: Folk group Sem chi insci cui scusaritt. 📍 Bottega in piazza: Ceramic workshops by Mani Maestre (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM). 📍 Salette SOMS: Creative workshops for children and adults "OTTOBRINA, la volpina" (balsa wood magnet) from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (by Atelier Capricorno). 📍 Asilo Visconti: Ceramic workshop and experiential art activity by Terra Fuoco Lab and ArteAtelier (2:30 PM - reservations at 39/7315563). 📅 October 11, 2026: 📍 Mostra Micologica "Le meraviglie della natura: Funghi" by the AMB Gavirate mycological group. 📍 Palco Teatro SOMS: Chess Tournament in collaboration with Scacchistica E.Canal. 🎵 Throughout the village: Sbandieratori Fossano. 📍 Outdoor area Asilo Visconti: "Accademia dei mini pompieri" in collaboration with ANVVF-CN. 📍 Asilo Visconti: Honey extraction demonstration at 3:30 PM. 📍 Asilo Visconti: Ceramic workshop and experiential art activity by Terra Fuoco Lab and ArteAtelier (2:30 PM - reservations at 339/7313563). 📍 Bottega in piazza: Lavender workshops for children and adults by az. Agr. L'oca felice di Besozzo. 📍 Salette SOMS: Creative workshops for children and adults "BESTIARIO COLLOGRAFICO" (collagraph printing) from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (by Rotte Contrarie). 📍 Villa Ida and Museo/Mulino Salvini (Cocquio): Extraordinary opening for FAI Autumn Day. 📍 Salette SOMS: Letizia and Silvia (wool, weaving). 📅 October 18, 2026: 📍 Falconry-themed exhibition in collaboration with the Falconeria Maestra group by Fabrizio Piazza. 🎤 Throughout the village: "CORTILI DI-VERSI OFF" itinerant poetry reading from 3:30 PM by "Condividendo Poesia". 📍 Via Malgarini: Gravel Randonnee "Memorial Bruno Bertagna". 📍 Corte teatrale: Teatro Duse performance. 📍 Asilo Visconti: WOODEN GAMES by Ludomastro. 📍 Asilo Visconti: Ceramic workshop and experiential art activity by Terra Fuoco Lab and ArteAtelier (3:00 PM - reservations at 339/7313563). 📍 Bottega in piazza: Nomadic sheep farming by Judith Byberg, raw wool workshops throughout the day. 📍 Salette SOMS: Creative workshops for children and adults "