On August 30th, the French town of Saint Jean de Maurienne, a stone’s throw from our Piedmont, will become the beating heart of Italianness with a day entirely dedicated to the flavors, culture and traditions of the Bel Paese. The event, which will culminate with the launch of the “Little Italy” festival, represents an unmissable opportunity to rediscover and celebrate our heritage, in full harmony with the mission of the Italea project.

 

A day dedicated to Italy

The event will kick off with the “Mercato del Gusto”, a preview of the “Little Italy” festival that will animate the streets of Saint Jean de Maurienne. Local and Italian producers will meet to offer a riot of authentic flavors, while a rich entertainment program will delight visitors throughout the day.

From musical walks to Italian lunches, from photographic exhibitions to the exhibition of Italian vintage cars, every detail will be a tribute to our culture. It will be a total immersion in that unique atmosphere that only Italy can give, an experience that goes beyond the simple food and wine event to turn into a real emotional journey.

 

Why is this event important for Italea?

Events such as the “Mercato del Gusto” and the “Little Italy” festival are the perfect embodiment of the spirit of Italea. Our project, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, aims to promote “roots tourism”, a new way of traveling that invites Italians abroad and Italian-descendants to rediscover the places and traditions of their origins.

These events, organized in collaboration with Italian communities abroad, create a cultural bridge between Italy and the rest of the world. Not only do they offer a showcase for the excellence of our territory – in this case, with a special focus on Piedmont, given the geographical proximity and historical ties – but they also strengthen the sense of belonging and cultural identity of our communities abroad.

For Italea Piemonte, supporting and promoting initiatives like this means:

• Enhancing the territory: To showcase Piedmontese food and wine and craft excellence, encouraging quality tourism and curious about local traditions.

• Create connections: To facilitate the meeting between those who live in Piedmont and those who, despite living abroad, carry our region in their hearts.

• Promoting roots tourism: To encourage the descendants of Piedmontese emigrants to visit the places from which their ancestors departed, transforming a simple trip into an unforgettable life experience.

The “Mercato del Gusto” and “Little Italy” in Saint Jean de Maurienne are, therefore, much more than a party. They are an invitation to rediscover one’s roots, an opportunity to weave new relationships and an opportunity to celebrate, all together, the inestimable richness of our culture.

We invite you to participate in large numbers and share with us the pride of our origins!