The chestnut is a product of the earth that represents apart from food, a real cultural “heritage”, in a country like Italy. As soon as the autumn season starts, everyone enjoys the ancient habit of eating “caldarroste”, or chestnuts roasted on charcoals, along the whole Italian peninsula. A tradition to which we add the arrival of chestnuts to the tables, used as an ingredient in countless recipes and gastronomic specialties. This reminds us, first of all, how the chestnut is present in the cultural heritage of many rural communities in Italy. In many cases, in fact, the chestnut has represented a primary resource for many populations present in the mountainous areas of Italy.
Chestnut harvesting
In this period, also numerous fairs dedicated to the chestnut fruit flourish, both in the Alpine area and in the Apennine area. These events do not fail to attract the presence not only of the locals, but also of many tourists, who want to approach this tasty tradition in the best possible way. At the same time, the custom of “going for chestnuts” is very common, cultivating the pleasure of gathering them oneself. Activities, however, that can only be done in the chestnut groves where the owners allow entry, or along the roads. In fact, chestnuts (and fruits in general) that fall on “public land” can be collected without being accused of theft.
The areas rich in chestnut woods are found in Lombardy, in the area north of Brianza to the Pre-Alps, in Piedmont, in the area between Canaves and Pinerolese and in Valsesia. In Veneto the area between Montebelluna, Bassano del Grappa and Feltre in the Belluno area is particularly rich. Further south, an area of particular importance for chestnuts is represented by Irpinia in Campania, and by Melfi in Basilicata. However, chestnut diffusion areas are present in all Italian regions, including Emilia Romagna, Marche, Lazio and Sardinia.
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The Fairs
There are numerous fairs dedicated to chestnuts, and they take place in all the regions that can enjoy an abundant presence of this fruit. They represent a unique opportunity not only to savor them, but also to enjoy moments of conviviality and joy. On these occasions, apart from the gastronomic side there is also the one that enhances the cultural traditions of the region, thanks to interesting folklore and artistic events.
Piedmont
In the third week of October the San Giorgio di Susa, Chiusa Pesio, Prato Sesia, Cuneo and Nomaglio fairs start. On the first day of November, the Foglizzo fair is held.
Lombardy
The most famous fairs are those of Paspardo (in the province of Brescia), and those of Mortara and Stradella (in the province of Pavia).
Trentino Alto Adige
Trentino chestnut lovers meet in Brentonico and in Lana, respectively in the province of Trento and Bolzano.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
The appointments, in the month of October, are those of Faedis and Polcenigo.
Liguria
The Ligurian chestnut area is between the provinces of Savona and Imperia. The most famous are those of Calizzano, Molini di Triora and Cogoleto.
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Emilia-Romagna
In the Apennine area of Emilia Romagna, the chestnut fair of Castelnovo ne ‘Monti, in the province of Reggio Emilia, stands out.
Toscana
In Marradi, where the poet Dino Campana was born, and in Palazzuolo sul Senio (both in the province of Florence) there is a chestnut fair that lasts from 22nd to 29th October.
Marche
In the province of Acoli Piceno, in Montefiore dell’Aso, the main festival of the Marche chestnut is held.
Lazio
The area that sees the presence of chestnut trees in Lazio is particularly vast. You can go from the fairs of Soriano nel Cimino and Vallerano (province of Viterbo) – where they are held every weekend of October until November 1st – to that of Rocca di Papa, from that of Anzio to that of Montelatonico and Cave.
Campania
Irpinia, the green heart of Campania and the Campania Apennines is also the kingdom of chestnuts. The Ariano Irpino fair is held from October 21st until the end of the month. In the province of Caserta the Roccamonfina fair stands out, in the Salerno area that of Salento.
Basilicata
In the province of Potenza there are three traditional events with chestnuts from the Lucanian Apennines: Trecchia, Melfi and Spinoso.
Calabria
The mountain area of Cosenza stands out with the fairs of Sant’Agata di Esaro and San Donato di Ninea.
Sardegna
In Sardinia, the Aritzo fair is particularly renowned. A well-known event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here the attention to the famous chestnuts of Gennargentu is transformed into a great event that unites culture, entertainment, traditions and gastronomic heritage.
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