Gusto di Meliga in Chiusa San Michele

Right on schedule, the *Gusto di Meliga* event returns to Chiusa San Michele on the third Sunday of September, forming part of the *Gusto Valsusa* food and wine festival calendar. This fair is dedicated to *Pan ëd melia* (cornbread) and other products derived from *meliga* (maize). Chiusa di San Michele’s traditional pastry was once prepared in December to brighten up the Christmas, New Year, and Carnival seasons; consequently, it was consumed sparingly. The municipality has secured the "Pan ëd Melia ‘d la Ciüsa" collective trademark for this *stirottino*-shaped pastry—which resembles a small corn cob—covering both its sweet and savory versions. Thanks to the competition for the best *Pan ëd Melia ‘d la Ciüsa*, families have revived the habit of making it more frequently, rather than just during the winter as was customary. The competition requires the use of corn flour, sugar, raisins, fennel seeds, and milk, with the option to add three additional ingredients. Entries are evaluated by a technical jury, and prizes are awarded to the top three finishers. The global spread of maize cultivation inspired "Ricette di mais dal mondo" (Corn Recipes from Around the World), a showcase of sweet and savory corn-based dishes prepared by foreign women living in Chiusa di San Michele and offered to festival visitors for tasting. The festival features a market fair in Piazza della Repubblica and the streets of the historic center, tasting stations for "Pan ëd Melia" (cornmeal bread) and other traditional Val di Susa products, and demonstrations of corn shelling using vintage agricultural machinery. Visitors can also explore the "Traditions of Peasant Life" museum (located in the former dairy), the Planetarium—with guided projections of the night sky—and the archaeological site at the former Chapel of San Giuseppe. The event program kicks off on Wednesday, September 16, at 9:00 PM in the multi-purpose hall with an evening dedicated to local history and traditions. On Thursday the 17th at 7:00 PM, the competitive section of the 2026 Meliga Run—organized by the San Michele Sports Union—will start in Piazza della Repubblica, preceded at 6:30 PM by races for youth categories; a pizza party and the awards ceremony will follow. On the afternoon of Saturday, September 19, the Valsusa Red Cross will organize games and entertainment for children. The evening program includes an aperitif with tastings at the food stalls and a concert by the band Sound Truck. From 10:00 AM on Sunday, September 20, visitors can browse the market fair featuring local products, watch corn shelling demonstrations using vintage machinery, and enjoy performances by the "Emozione Danza" dance school, the "La Lancia di San Michele" historical group, the musical groups Strampalabanda and Dolmen, and the Filarmonica Chiusina band. Children's games, a market, and various exhibitions will round out the day's program, which concludes with polenta served in the town square at 6:30 PM.

Further details are available at www.gustodimeliga.com; to contact the Gusto di Meliga association, you can email info.gustodimeliga@gmail.com or call 3884394291.

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Dairy Ethnographic museum - Chiusa San Michele

Former chapel of San Giuseppe - Chiusa San Michele

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