The cherry festival in Villanova sull'Arda

Villanova sull'Arda - The town of Villanova sull'Arda has a strong vocation for fruit growing that dates back far back in time, to the nineteenth century. In those days cherry trees were grown along the Arda stream, where the soil was particularly favorable. The trees were up to 16 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 50 or 60 centimeters. Long ladders had to be used to harvest the fruit.

In those days, the collection was for family consumption while today it is on an industrial level. The trees are thus cultivated in rows and kept low, so that the harvest can take place with the cart. The cherry has therefore become a significant resource for the area, given that it can now be marketed for a longer period, to the point that the municipality has decided to dedicate a party to it which is held for two weekends in June. The festival naturally includes food stands, but also the presence of a little train, the little train of cherries, which leads to Villa Verdi.