Asti Cultural Guide: Traditions, Festivals and Local History
Welcome to Asti: A Glance at the local traditions, festivals, and rich history
Located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, Asti is an amazing city known for its sumptuous cuisine, lively festivals, and sundry history. Let's delve into the voyage exploring the city's vibrant culture, traditions, and enthralling history.
Traditions of Asti
One of Asti's most cherished traditions is wine production. The hilly area surrounding Asti is effervescent with vineyards and is remarked for its excellent production of Moscato d'Asti and sparkling Asti Spumante wines. Locals take great pride in their wine-making process and often host wine-tasting events where visitors get a chance to savour the authentic flavours of Asti.
Festivals
Asti is famous for hosting festivals that bring the city alive with colors, music, and joy. Here are few of the most notable ones:
- The Palio of Asti: Likely the most famous historical Italian festival, it is a horse race that dates back to the 13th century. The festival takes place every third Sunday of September and involves a fascinating parade with medieval attires, flag waived processions, historical re-enactments, and, of course, the spectacular horse race.
- Douja d'Or: The festival, organized annually in September, is dedicated to promoting the best Italian wines and articles of gastronomic delight. It attracts wine lovers from all over the world and includes a competition between Italian wines, most prominently Moscato.
- Sagra delle Sagre Astigiane: Also known as the Festival of the Festivals, this event, organized in August, features traditional foods from all local towns in the region along with several cultural activities.
Local History
Asti boasts an old and complex history, having been inhabited since the Neolithic era and dominated by several different cultures over the centuries. It experienced an era of significant prosperity during the Roman period, later followed by the Lombards' invasion. The city became a free municipality in the Middle Ages and held a pivotal role in trade and finance domains.
The historical richness of the region can be witnessed in the myriad architectural marvels sprinkled throughout the city. Some of the most notable ones include the Cathedral of Asti, Torre Troyana, and the Red Tower.
To make the most out of your visit to Asti, go ahead and familiarize yourself with these beautiful facets of the city. Enjoy sampling the local wines, partake in unforgettable traditions and festivals, and immerse yourself in the city's textured history.