Chestnut Festival in Miradolo Terme 2026

After an endless summer, autumn has finally arrived, bringing with it the festival dedicated to the undisputed queen of the season: the chestnut! In Miradolo Terme, a small town in the Bassa Pavese area, the traditional Chestnut Festival will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, an event that has long been loved by visitors of all ages.

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Miradolo Terme will be filled with the colours of autumn for its traditional Chestnut Festival, an event organised by the Amici di Miradolo association with the patronage of the Municipality of Miradolo Terme.

Located in the Bassa Pavese area at the foot of the San Colombano Hills Park, Miradolo Terme welcomes visitors of all ages for a day featuring local food and wine, family entertainment, historical re-enactments and live music.

From morning until late evening, the town's streets will be filled with the aromas of autumn, combining local folklore with the promotion of the food and wine traditions of the Pavia area.

Full programme: Sunday, October 18, 2026

The festival begins in the morning with activities for collectors, families and history enthusiasts, continuing throughout the day.

• 9:30 am – Festival and Exhibition Opening: the official opening of the stalls dedicated to hobbies and local crafts. Children and teenagers can enjoy inflatable attractions and a quad-bike circuit. History enthusiasts can visit the historical exhibition “The Napoleonic Period”.
• 12:00 pm – Lunch Together: a convivial lunch featuring traditional local dishes. Advance booking is recommended.
• 2:30 pm – Treasure Hunt: a fun, multi-stage activity for children, teenagers and families, designed to explore the area through games and challenges.
• 3:00 pm – Traditional Folk Games: a chance to rediscover traditional games from the past, involving adults and children in entertaining challenges of skill.
• 4:00 pm – Magic Show “The Enchanted World”: an illusion and entertainment show designed to enchant audiences of all ages.
• 5:00 pm – Free Chestnut Risotto Tasting: one of the highlights of the festival, with a free tasting of this typical autumn dish from the Pavia area.
• Throughout the day: entertainment and live music provided by Antonio Panigada.

Local Food and Wine Specialties: The Flavours of Autumn in Pavia

The chestnut is the true star of the festival, featured in traditional recipes alongside some of the classic dishes of local rural cuisine:

• Roasted Chestnuts: classic chestnuts roasted over an open fire and served piping hot in paper cones.
• Pumpkin Fritters: a sweet and savoury speciality celebrating another of the season's key ingredients in the Pavia area.
• Torta Patuna: a traditional chestnut flour cake, similar to castagnaccio and enriched with dried fruit.
• Takeaway Tripe: a classic Lombard dish, perfect for enjoying at the festival or taking home.
• Chestnut Risotto: the festival's signature dish, offered as a free tasting at 5:00 pm, combining local Pavia rice with the delicate flavour and texture of chestnuts.