In Val Bregaglia - in the Swiss villages scattered between Castasegna and Maloja - autumn is tinged with warm colours and intriguing flavours.
The sun shines, and the days are long enough to allow for enjoyable outings in woods and mountains, as well as experiencing the 17° Festival della Castagna.
A cooling breeze wafts through the hair and chestnut burrs occupy the woodland from late September whilst the exquisite specialities of the chestnut adorn the tables of restaurants and fill the shelves in local shops as the entire valley gears up towards the 17° Festival della Castagna which takes place from Saturday September 25th through to Sunday 24th October 2021. Four full weeks dedicated to the fruit that abounds in the woodlands of lower Val Bregaglia between Bondo, Soglio and Castasegna. There are all manner of events in which both locals and tourists are invited to participate: guided tours of a range of noted buildings and villages, tastings, culinary-based outings, cooking and pastry courses, chestnut beating for flour preparation alongside village festivals. A printed programme is available from tourist offices, shops and restaurants in the valley or details online at www.festivaldellacastagna.ch
Online registration for events is essential.
THE KEY EVENTS:
OPENING EVENT
Saturday 25 September 2021, from 10.00 to 15.00, at Nossa Dona (Promontogno)
Luca Maurizio, storyteller and stand-up comedian will entertain young and old with the fairy tale - The Magic Carpet. The traditional lunch will follow with chestnuts, bacon with whipped cream and dessert, and fruit tarts.
CAMINÄ E MANGÄ (walk and eat)
Sunday 3 and Sunday 17 October 2021 at Castasegna / Plazza
A personal culinary walk in the chestnut woods with seven halts at stations in order to discover the delights of the valley, all local and authentic produce: yoghourt, cheese, fruit, honey, syrup, roast chestnuts and sausages. And to round things off a delicious chestnut dessert and quality coffee. Marun variant (long route) leaving from Castasegna between 9.30 and 12.00.
Lüina variant (short route) leaving from Plazza beween 10.30 and 12.00.
Stations: Garni Bar Post, Latteria Bregaglia, Società Apicoltori Bregaglia, Pedarneir, Macelleria Salumeria Chiesa, Ristorante Longhin, Ristorante Piz Cam, Panetteria-Pasticceria Gonzalez.
A BRASCHER DAY
Sunday 10 October 2021, from 11.00 until 17.00
The Association of Bregaglia chestnut growers pays homage to the chestnut with brascher (roast chestnuts), a range of cakes, stalls with chestnut specialities, games and music, in the villages of Castasegna, Bondo and Soglio.
CLOSING CEREMONY
Sunday 24 October, from 10.30 to 15.30 at Castasegna
Brunch in piazza with Tanya Giovanoli of Meat Design, cheeses from BIO Latteria Bregaglia, brascher (roast chestnuts) prepared by the Association of Bregaglia chestnut growers and much more. Thanking you for your participation in the events of the 17th staging of the Val Bregaglia Festival della Castagna. See you next year.
