MASCA - THE RETURN OF THE WITCH

From 19 September 2026 to 20 September 2026

MASCA – The Return of the Witch, the festival dedicated to the MASCHE (traditional folk costumes), the folk traditions, stories, and imagery of the Bormida Valley, returns on Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20th, now in its second year.

After its debut in 2025, MASCA is growing and expanding: even more streets and squares will be involved, along with artisans, producers, exhibitors, shows, and activities throughout the historic center. A truly widespread event, capable of transforming Spigno into a grand two-day journey of culture, music, entertainment, crafts, and food and wine.

The festival begins on Saturday at 3:30 pm, while on Sunday it kicks off at 10:00 am.
Culture opens MASCA - this year, MASCA will once again begin with a moment of exploration dedicated to history and traditions.

On Saturday, September 19th, at 3:30 pm, the Franco Vasconi Municipal Theater will host the conference "The Face of Witches: Stories – Symbols – Tales," coordinated and moderated by Giuseppe Testa.

This event, with the participation of scholars and experts, aims to go beyond the folkloric image of the witch and delve into the beliefs, practices, stories, and testimonies that pertain to the popular culture and history of the area.

The conference will ideally introduce the two days of celebration, connecting research and dissemination with the most spectacular and popular side of MASCA.
An entire village will celebrate—from the following hours, the historic center will come to life with Occitan music and dance, traveling artists, shows, magic, entertainment, activities for children and families, fortune tellers, artisans, producers, and stalls.

The event will span several areas of the town, from Via Roma to Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Gandolfo, Piazza Umberto I, Piazza Picasso, Piazza del Macello, the area of the Ex Forno, and Piazzetta Spingardi, each featuring different activities.

The food and wine component, which has become one of the most popular elements of the event, will also be present: in the various squares, you can enjoy local specialties and dishes, from grilled meats to tripe, from farinata to figazein, along with preparations by the Pro Loco, wines, honey, local products, sweets, and ice cream.

There will also be live music, scattered music stands, and a DJ set on Saturday evening, in addition to the performances that will entertain the audience well into the night.
A community-built celebration

MASCA is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Pro Loco of Spigno Monferrato 2014 APS, the Municipality of Spigno Monferrato, local associations, volunteers, businesses, artisans, producers, and numerous citizens.

This collaborative model, which has been further strengthened since its first edition, aims to make the event not just a moment of celebration, but also an opportunity to promote the village, enhance its identity, and generate new presences and opportunities for the area.

Spigno Monferrato also participates in the national network of Witch Cities, a program that connects Italian regions united by histories, traditions, and cultural heritages linked to the world of witchcraft and popular beliefs.

The festival will begin on Saturday at 3:30 pm and will kick off on Sunday at 10:00 am.

For more information, visit the Proloco di Spigno Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064697710346
IG: or INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/proloco_spignomonferrato/

Teatro Comunale Franco Vasconi e Centro storico - 15018 Spigno Monferrato