Agriculture takes center stage in the streets – The Potato Festival returns to Villastellone from September 17th to 20th
Agriculture is the undisputed star of the Potato Festival, which returns to Villastellone from Thursday, September 17th to Sunday, September 20th, celebrating its eighth edition with a packed program of events, all showcasing the local flavors and excellence, tradition, and the promotion of local products.
Piazza Libertà and the Palarane (Via Levà) will be the setting for this now well-established event, one of the most eagerly awaited and popular early autumn events in the area. Organized by the Villastellone Farmers and Breeders Association in collaboration with the Pro Loco, the event features the support of various associations and numerous volunteers, and is sponsored by the Piedmont Region, the Piedmont Regional Council, the Metropolitan City of Turin, the Municipality of Villastellone, and the Chieri-Carmagnolese Food District.
A preview of the festivities will be held on Thursday the 17th at the Jolly Cinema (Via San Giovanni Bosco 2B) at 8:30 pm, with the presentation of the festival, a screening of the documentary "Innesti" by Sandro Bozzolo, and the presentation of the book "Macao" by Simone Torino. The evening will conclude with an aperitif.
The program offers a rich program of events. Food stands and traditional cuisine at the Pro Loco Village in Palarane, complete with bar service, will be offering traditional Piedmontese dishes prepared by the Pro Loco organizations of Caramagna, Castagnole Piemonte, and Villastellone, and the Farmers' Association (agrichips, gnocchi, stuffed potatoes, Fassona beef, and more). Entertainment and music include screenings, DJ sets, live dance music, and Occitan dances. Local activities include a farmers' and craft market, a vintage car show, and the guided food walk "Let's Taste the Pianalto." Health and prevention programs include screenings.
Friday the 18th at 7:00 PM at Palarane (Via Levà), the Pro Loco Village will open and dinner will begin. Entertainment will be provided by Mambo Jambo Dance. Starting at 10:00 PM, a musical evening will feature dance music by Divina Show.
Saturday the 19th at the Villaggio Pro Loco al Palarane, dinner from 7 pm and, from 10 pm, a DJ set by Tutti a 90.
On Sunday the 20th, from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m., the farmers', crafts, and hobby market will open in Piazza Libertà. Throughout the day, Piazza Libertà and Via Levà will host a market show featuring Villastellone farms, various vendors', associations', and hobbyists' stands, along with a display of agricultural model cars and, in collaboration with Fiat 500 Club Italia, a display of vintage Fiat 500s.
The final day of the festival begins in the morning with the traditional "Gustiamoci il Pianalto" (Let's Taste the Pianalto), a lively walk starting at 9:30 a.m. from Piazza Libertà. It will take you through the town streets, through the countryside, and into the heart of the Pianalto, past straw sculptures, a demonstration of potato harvesting in the fields, and children can participate in the harvest. The walk will also include a tasting of local products and a traditional country breakfast. Arrival is expected at Palarane around 1 p.m., after a walk of approximately 5.7 km. Cost: €15 per person (free for children under 6). Lunch will be available at the Pro Loco Village starting at 12 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. in Piazza Libertà, Occitan dances will be performed by the Li Destartavelà group.
