The Parade of the Sagre di Asti, part of the Festival delle Sagre, is a spectacular celebration of rural life and traditions in the Piedmont region of Italy. Held annually on the second Sunday of September, it transforms the streets of Asti into a living museum of the agricultural past.

What Happens in the Parade:

• Over 3,000 participants from more than 40 local Pro Loco associations dress in authentic period costumes, reenacting scenes from traditional village life2.

• The parade winds through Asti’s historic center and culminates in Piazza Campo del Palio, where the entire square is turned into a massive open-air restaurant.

• You’ll see farmers, bakers, winemakers, and artisans showcasing tools, machinery, and customs from the pre-industrial era—like grape treading, hay harvesting, and bread baking.

• It’s not just visual: the event is deeply immersive, with music, storytelling, and folk performances that bring the region’s heritage to life.

Why It’s Special:

• It’s considered Italy’s largest historical rural parade, and one of the country’s most beloved food and folklore festivals.

• The parade is followed by a feast featuring regional dishes like agnolotti del plin, bagna càuda, fritto misto piemontese, and desserts paired with local wines like Barbera d’Asti and Moscato d’Asti3.

It’s a feast for the senses and a heartfelt tribute to the rhythms of rural life. If you ever get the chance to go, bring comfy shoes and an empty stomach—you’ll need both.

The photos below are from the parade of the 2025 Sagre di Asti (see video).