The Soul of the Villages: The Festivals of Val di Peio

The Heart of Val di Peio: Festivals and Tradition

Local festivals (sagre) are not just gastronomic events; they are the very soul of our territory. Each festival tells a centuries-old story of faith, belonging, and deep roots. In Val di Peio, the sagra is the moment when the community reunites, where the historical nicknames of the inhabitants (scütumi) echo once again, and where the passing of the seasons is celebrated with pride. These celebrations are often accompanied by the local marching band, with traditional processions held on Sundays. From the first festival greeting the summer sun to the last one closing the season, these events are the bridge between our grandparents' past and our youth's future.

The Map of Festivals and Identities

• Strombiano – "I Casoleti"

  • The Origin: Beyond the production of the famous cheese, the name refers to something small but substantial. As Strobiano is a tiny hamlet, its inhabitants were compared to small wheels of Casolét: compact, but with a strong and genuine character. They represent the authenticity of the "first harvest" that opens the summer.

  • The Event: Organized by the Youth Group, it takes place in the heart of the village, in the town square.

  • When: June 12-13-14, 2026

• Peio Paese – "I Rode"

  • The Origin: A tribute to water and ingenuity. In the past, Peio Paese was an incredible production center; water mills (rode means "wheels") were everywhere, powered by streams to grind grain. "Roda" also suggests someone who never stops, constantly moving and working.

  • The Event: Organized by the Youth Group, the celebration is held at the dairy factory square, a symbol of local production.

  • When: July 3-4-5, 2026

• Celledizzo – "I Veri" or "I Ligeri"

  • The Origin: "I Veri" comes from a linguistic ambiguity between silkworms (symbolizing hard work) and the verro (the male pig). In Celledizzo, pig farming was historically vital: owning a boar was a sign of a wealthy community. To balance the "heavy" image of the pig, the nickname "I Ligeri" (the Light Ones) emerged, describing the inhabitants as agile, quick on the mountain slopes, and lively during festivities.

  • The Event: Organized by the Youth Group at the sports field, the perfect location for large outdoor celebrations.

  • When: July 30-31 and August 1-2, 2026

• Comasine – "I Corvi"

  • The Origin: Historically linked to iron mines. The "Corvi" (Ravens) refers to the miners who, working with ore and coal, often had soot-blackened faces and clothes. It is a symbol of pride and a bond with the rugged rock.

  • The Event: Led by the Circolo Matteotti, held in the beautiful square near the church.

  • When: August 8-9, 2026

• Celentino – "I Bachetini"

  • The Origin: Likely from bachet (small stick). It evokes the image of people as tough and sturdy as wooden sticks, or refers to the sticks used to herd livestock. It indicates a solid, resilient community, firmly rooted in the land.

  • The Event: The Youth Group organizes the festival in the main square, historically called "El Plazol", in the village center.

  • When: August 14-15-16, 2026

• Cogolo – "I Pasoloti"

  • The Origin: Derived from "rave passe" (dried turnips). Turnip cultivation was essential for winter survival, and Cogolo was its production hub. The name remains a symbol of a community tied to the earth and capable of making the most of its resources.

  • The Event: Organized by the Youth Group at the former school square, turning it into the valley’s entertainment hub to close the summer season.

  • When: August 28-29-30, 2026