Nuts about chestnuts? Visit the Ascona Chestnut Festival!

If you are nuts about chestnuts, there is no way around visiting the Ascona Chestnut Festival!

Known as the Festa delle Castagne in Italian, this festival celebrates the sweet chestnut, locally referred to as marroni. The locals roasting them over the open fire are called maronatts in the Ticino dialect.

This daylong castagnata is held in one of our all-time favorite places in Ticino, the charming lakeside town of Ascona.

The Tradition of Chestnut Roasting

One of the festival's highlights is the tradition of roasting chestnuts in huge pans over open fires. Local experts known as maronatts work tirelessly to infuse these chestnuts with that irresistible smoky flavor.

The tantalizing scent of wood-burning fires permeates the air, setting the stage for a mouthwatering experience.

The queue for these roasted marroni can be quite long and may lead you through a thick cloud of roasting smoke, but the experience is worth the wait.

What to Expect at the Ascona Chestnut Festival

Ascona, located in the heart of Ticino, Switzerland, offers the perfect backdrop for a fall celebration. With crisp October air, gentle sunshine, and minimal precipitation, it's the ideal time to explore the festival.

Market stalls along the Ascona lakefront showcase locally crafted gifts, ranging from handmade jewelry and wooden kitchen utensils to toys and clothing. The festival also features a variety of chestnut-based delicacies, including honey, jam, bread, and cakes.

During the day, approximately two tons of locally harvested chestnuts are roasted, and pop-up concerts by folk bands provide entertainment. Food enthusiasts can savor polenta, deli meats, and cheese from the numerous food stalls.

👉 Don't forget the tradition: When you take your first bite of a chestnut, make a wish for the upcoming season! And don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of chestnuts at the Ascona Chestnut Festival!

(Feature photograph copyright Ticino Tourism/MaggiorepiX)