Cocconato: festivals, food and village life

Cocconato: festivals, food and community

Located in the Monferrato hills, Cocconato organizes a lively spring–summer program highlighting tradition, food and local life. From taste competitions to patronal festivals, the schedule invites visitors to experience authentic village events, local flavors and open-air activities.

Event calendar: April to September

• April 19 - Cocco Run: running and walking event focused on sport and socializing outdoors.
• April 25 - San Marco Fair: stalls, crafts and local food in the town square.
• Late April / early May - Festa della leva, Vespa rally and Cocco Wine di Primavera: convivial and commemorative events.
• May–June - Alpini gathering, Festival of Philosophy and the twinning with Caissargues: cultural programs and international exchange.
• Summer - concerts with Monferrato on Stage, the Romantic Night of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and traditional hamlet festivals; July events include activities in the Tuffo hamlet and the Vertigo Summer Festival.
• August - San Lorenzo evening meal in the square and village patron saint celebrations.
• September - harvest season, Cocco Wine, medieval reenactments, themed aperitifs and the lively Donkey Palio that brings the village to life.

Taste competition: "At the table with the king of chefs"

A highlight is the contest for the best Pollo alla Marengo, involving six local restaurants with scheduled rounds in March and April and subsequent stages leading to the final.

• Osteria Bell'e Buona (advance booking recommended)
• Osteria della Pompa
• Cannon d'Oro
• Cantina del Ponte - featured on March 27-28
• Osteria Gheub - featured on April 10-11
• Locanda Martelletti - featured on April 17-18

Visitors should book ahead where possible, check exact times and look for updates through local channels before planning their trip.

Practical tips for visitors

• Booking: reserve in advance for gastronomic events and popular evenings.
• Getting there: the village is most easily reached by car; parking can be limited during major events, so consider park-and-ride options.
• Stay: plan at least one overnight to fully enjoy the atmosphere—local B&Bs and agriturismi offer authentic stays.
• Clothing: comfortable shoes for historic streets and layered clothing for evening temperature changes.
• Wine and food: take advantage of tastings to discover local producers and regional specialties.

Cocconato’s program blends food, heritage and community life—an excellent reason to schedule a visit and experience an authentic Monferrato borgo.