From Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 June 2023, Moncrivello (Vercelli) will host the Sagra del Mirtillo e delle Eccellenze moncrivellesi, a three-day event entirely dedicated to the fruit that has become a symbol of the area.
Who would have ever guessed that a plant that loves low, sometimes freezing, temperatures and soils with a particularly acid ph to grow is to be found in the Vercelli area, specifically in Moncrivello (VC) where it has become the landmark product of the area? It is, moreover, a zero-kilometre production!
The event will take place from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 June: the pedestrian area of Moncrivello will host a very rich, varied and 'colourful' programme, with the focal point of the tastings in Piazza Castello, elected 'Piazza del Gusto' for the occasion, with stalls organised by local producers and 'blueberry dinners' in the dedicated food stands and in the town's public establishments.
The first act of this event will consist, at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 15 June, with the meeting and registration for the footrace "2nd Edition BLUEBERRY RUN" - starting at 8 p.m. Organised by the G.P.D. ALDO BERARDO Association in collaboration with Moncrivello Sports Club.
The following day, Friday 16 June at 6 p.m., the 'MIRTILLO D'ORO' (GOLDEN BLUEBERRY) will be handed over to the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, the Hon. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, at Moncrivello Castle. Talks will be held on the environment, inaugurating the project "Il Giardino delle Api" (The Garden of Bees) with the presentation of the book "Il Re era una Regina" (The King was a Queen) history, biology and curiosities about bees, written by Fulvio Piccinino from Moncrivello.
The objective of the Sagra del Mirtillo e delle Eccellenze Moncrivellesi is to restore value to food, respecting those who produce it, in harmony with the environment and ecosystems, thanks to the knowledge of which local territories and traditions are the custodians.
The event exists and is an incredible success every year, also thanks to the passion and commitment that Mayor Massimo Pissinis and Vice Mayor Luca Lisco have invested in the project since its inception.
In addition to all the events that will allow a direct meeting between the consumer and the producer, there will be guided tasting sessions, exhibition areas set up for the occasion on places of natural interest in the Moncrivello area and its surroundings, didactics in nurseries and at blueberry-producing farms, workshops to discover all the virtues and properties of the fruit in the kitchen and its transformation into tasty dishes, and areas set up for shows.
For more information:
Calendar of Events
Thursday 15 June
18.30: Meeting and registration for the footrace - 2nd edition of the Blueberry Run: start at 20.00 G.P.D. ALDO BERARDO Association in collaboration with Moncrivello Sport Club
Friday 16 June
18.00: Conference and awarding of the MIRTILLO D'ORO to the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Hon. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin at Moncrivello Castle - we will talk about the environment, inaugurating the project 'Il Giardino delle Api' (The Garden of Bees) with the presentation of the book - 'Il Re era una Regina' (The King was a Queen) history, biology and curiosities about bees - written by our fellow citizen Fulvio Piccinino. We will also talk about the new constitution of the Food District.
19.30: Opening of food stands - blueberry dinner.
19.30: Blueberry walk for young and old by the #andumaapè group and the Oratorio Madonna di Miralta.
22.00: musical show with GIGI L'ALTRO, Piazza Mons. Giovanni Oglietti, in front of the parish church - bar and cocktail stand open all evening
Saturday 17 June
09.00: Opening blueberry market: local products, handicrafts and associations
15.00: ASD I DUELLANTI - HDEMIA ARCHERY Approach to traditional archery - shooting demonstration
17.00: Thesis presentation and scholarship presentation
18.00: Tennis Semifinals
19.00: Piedmontese liqueurs, tasting Violante di Morenica
19.30: Opening of food stands - blueberry dinner.
21.00: Non-competitive dog parade open to all dogs of all breeds and not, organised by Dog Trainer Antonio Puccio; prizes will be awarded to the best 3 by an exceptional jury according to 3 different categories. Cost €10 per dog, registration compulsory
22.00:SHOWZER evening show, Piazza Mons. Giovanni Oglietti in front of the parish church - bar and cocktail stand open all evening
Throughout the day:
- Bar area in the centre of the blueberry market
- Street food
- Children's animation created by Oratorio Madonna di Miralta
Sunday 18 June
09.00: Opening blueberry market: local products, handicrafts and associations
09.30: YOTES: Yoga & Pilates - Physiotherapist Irene Zatti
09.30: “Four steps among the blueberries': experiential seminar at Mirbì since 1990
10.30: Pilates by Martial Arts Santhià
10.00: Donkey Stuzzica Band will play through the streets of the old town centre
12.00: Opening of food stands - blueberry lunch
16.00: Blueberry 24h tennis tournament final at prabasso
17.00: Travelling shows
19.00: Blueberry Market Closure
19.30: Itinerant aperitif at the end of the festival
Throughout the day:
- Bar area in the centre of the blueberry market
- Street food
- Scenic and tourist flights (info 3482221679)
- Children's entertainment created by Oratorio Madonna di Miralta
- Guided tours (Mirbì/Cascina di Francia) by minibus at scheduled times: (2 mornings - 2 afternoons)
- Guided tour with dog trainer to the Mirbì blueberry groves
