On Sunday 18 October 2026 Bagnaria, a village in the Staffora Valley in the Upper Oltrepò Pavese (province of Pavia, Lombardy), celebrates the 43rd Giornata della Mela, or Apple Day. The opening ceremony is at 11:00 a.m. in Piazza Aldo Moro, where a fruit and vegetable market with apples and seasonal fruit from local growers, sold at zero-kilometre (km0), runs throughout the day. The programme includes stalls of typical food, wine and craft products, a lunch point run by the Pro Loco, a history and nature walk through the orchards with the Calyx naturalist association, live music, bouncy castles for children and, at 6:00 p.m., a prize draw with apple-based prizes.

An autumn Sunday devoted to one of the signature products of the Upper Oltrepò Pavese

With the Giornata della Mela, Bagnaria renews a traditional event dedicated to promoting one of the signature products of the Upper Oltrepò Pavese. The event is organised by the Municipal Administration in collaboration with the local Pro Loco, the community association that promotes the village, and is opened by Mayor Mattia Franza in the presence of local authorities.

The 2026 edition is also made possible by a contribution from Regione Lombardia through the Lombardia Style call for proposals, which supports initiatives that promote and enhance the excellence of local areas.

The fruit and vegetable market in Piazza Aldo Moro

The heart of the event is the fruit and vegetable market in Piazza Aldo Moro, where local growers offer apples and other seasonal fruit on promotional sale, all at zero-kilometre. Alongside the apples you will find pears, chestnuts and honey, a way to take home the flavours of autumn straight from the people who grow them.

Among the most common apple varieties in the area are Golden, Stark, Pomella Genovese, Renetta, Annurca, Fuji, Champagne and Granny Smith: a wide choice for those looking for apples to eat fresh, bake or turn into desserts.

Visitors who make purchases at the fruit and vegetable market receive tickets to enter the draw for apple-based prizes, scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Typical food stalls, Pro Loco lunch and live music

Throughout the day, stalls of typical food, wine and craft products are set up near the market. For lunch, the Bagnaria Pro Loco runs a refreshment point, a convenient way to stop in the village and spend the Sunday at an unhurried pace.

The afternoon is accompanied by live music from “Giorgio d’Ambrosio live”, which entertains the square until the prize draw.

“Il Tempo delle Mele”: a history and nature walk through the orchards

Among the day’s activities is the history and nature walk “Il Tempo delle Mele” (“The Time of Apples”), organised in collaboration with the Calyx naturalist association. The route is dedicated to discovering the area and its fruit-growing tradition, and takes visitors on a walk along the village’s orchards. For the meeting time, duration and how to take part, we recommend contacting the organisers before the day.

A day for families too

Bouncy castles are available for the youngest visitors, so that a visit to the market and the stalls becomes an opportunity for fun for the whole family.

Bagnaria, between the Apple Day and the Cherry Festival

Bagnaria lies in the Staffora Valley, about 23 km from Voghera, and is crossed by the Greenway Voghera–Varzi, the cycling and walking path that follows the route of the old railway. The Giornata della Mela, together with the traditional Cherry Festival (Sagra della Ciliegia), is an event with a strong sense of identity for the village: it promotes the local product, but also the area itself, its farming and food and wine excellence, and the natural, historical and artistic heritage of the Upper Oltrepò Pavese.

Over the years the event has become a genuine showcase for visitors and a driver of growth for local craft and commercial businesses. To round out the day, you can combine a visit to Bagnaria with an itinerary among nearby villages such as Varzi, Fortunago and Godiasco.

Practical information

The 43rd Giornata della Mela takes place on Sunday 18 October 2026 in Bagnaria (province of Pavia), in Piazza Aldo Moro. The opening is at 11:00 a.m. and the prize draw at 6:00 p.m. For further information you can contact the Municipality of Bagnaria on +39 0383 572001.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Giornata della Mela take place in Bagnaria in 2026?

The 43rd edition takes place on Sunday 18 October 2026, with the opening at 11:00 a.m.

Where does the Giornata della Mela take place?

The event is held in Bagnaria, in the province of Pavia, in Piazza Aldo Moro, home to the fruit and vegetable market with the stalls of local growers.

What can I buy at the fruit and vegetable market?

The market offers apples and other seasonal fruit at zero-kilometre, such as pears, chestnuts and honey, sold on promotion by local growers.

Which apple varieties can I find in Bagnaria?

Among the most common varieties in the area are Golden, Stark, Pomella Genovese, Renetta, Annurca, Fuji, Champagne and Granny Smith.

How do I enter the prize draw?

Those who buy at the fruit and vegetable market receive tickets to enter the draw for apple-based prizes, scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Can I have lunch during the event?

Yes, the Bagnaria Pro Loco runs a refreshment point for lunch, and stalls of typical food and wine products are set up near the market.

Are there activities for children and for those who like walking?

Bouncy castles are available for children. Adults can join the history and nature walk “Il Tempo delle Mele”, organised with the Calyx naturalist association along the village’s orchards.

Who organises the Giornata della Mela?

The event is organised by the Municipal Administration of Bagnaria in collaboration with the local Pro Loco, with a contribution from Regione Lombardia – Lombardia Style call.

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