CASTAGNATA (Chestnut Festival)

The Castagnata of Borgo Fornari is one of Liguria's most authentic and deeply rooted celebrations, an event that genuinely honors the traditions of the Ronco Scrivia valley. Every October 11th, this hamlet transforms into a stage where the chestnut—the iconic fruit of the Ligurian autumn—becomes the undisputed star of a festival with roots stretching deep into the territory's history. The local Pro Loco keeps this gastronomic heritage alive through an authentic culinary offering that faithfully reflects traditional local flavors. From dawn to dusk, visitors can savor genuine specialties prepared using time-honored recipes: polenta accompanied by mushroom or sausage ragù, authentic cheeses, tripe, smoked meat grills, and chestnut-based desserts that tell centuries of culinary wisdom. Each dish represents the unbreakable bond between the local community and its land, where the chestnut is far more than an ingredient—it is a cultural symbol. In the afternoon, the atmosphere intensifies with steaming roasted chestnuts and live music that accompanies the event's final hours, creating an immersive experience in the heart of authentic Liguria. An unmissable opportunity for those seeking to discover the most genuine and traditional side of Ligurian gastronomy.