Alba White Truffle Fair: The Perfect Guide for Your Trip

André Freitas December, 2024

Probably the first word that comes to mind when we think of Italy is gastronomy. Renowned as one of the most delicious cuisines in the world, Italian food wins over all palates. The Piedmont region, home of the slow food movement, is famous for its rich traditions in wine, white truffles, chestnuts, artisanal cheeses, and iconic recipes like tajarin (fine pasta) and vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce). This area also hosts the famous Alba White Truffle Fair.

Created to celebrate a unique delicacy, the International Alba White Truffle Fair is one of the most iconic culinary events on the planet. However, today this celebration offers much more than exquisite dishes and award-winning chefs.

Join Cieli di Toscana and uncover all the secrets to making the most of this remarkable event.

The International Alba White Truffle Fair: What to Expect

You’ll find, for example, folk events, historical reenactments, and the famous Palio degli Asini. These attractions highlight and revive Alba’s rich cultural heritage. But let’s start with the main attraction: the white truffle.

Like most people, you’ve probably wondered: why are these truffles so special? Well, to begin with, they can’t be cultivated or controlled. In other words, they are found only in the wild, with the help of trained truffle-hunting dogs.

But that’s not all that makes Alba’s white truffle so noble, special, and unmatched. Its intensely unique aroma and flavor set it apart. This combination of cultivation challenges, climate changes, and culinary excellence makes the white truffle one of the world’s most expensive foods, reaching prices of up to €4,500 per kilo.

Dates and Schedule of the 2024 Alba White Truffle Fair

Truffle Market

The heart of the fair is the Alba Truffle Market, an exhibition space where you can purchase the finest truffles from the forests of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. The best part? You buy directly from the sellers (Trifulau), with the support and supervision of the Quality Commission.

In the same space, you’ll also find top regional products, such as wines from Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero, which are available for tasting.

The market runs every Saturday and Sunday throughout the fair, from October 2 to December 8, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at Cortile della Maddalena, with entry via Piazza Falcone, Alba.

Folk Events

The International Alba White Truffle Fair is also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Alba’s ancient culture. Rather than being just a spectator, you’ll join a vibrant carousel of colors, flags, music, and traditional games.

Historical Reenactment and Podestà Investiture

In a grand theatrical performance, over 400 participants bring to life historical and legendary episodes that shaped medieval Alba. True to tradition, the reenactment features period costumes and takes place in the Palio Arena in Piazza Risorgimento on the first Saturday of October.

Palio degli Asini

Near the San Lorenzo Cathedral in Alba’s historic center, the Palio degli Asini unfolds—a humorous race where nine city districts compete to win the banner.

In this playful event, conducted with the utmost respect for the animals, the winner receives a banner typically painted by a renowned artist, portraying the history of the Palio and the neighborhoods on a small canvas.

The race is held on the first Sunday of October, filling the Palio Arena in Piazza Risorgimento with vibrant colors and costumes.

Village Bacchanal

This event whisks you back to medieval Alba, filling the city with nostalgia. During the Bacchanal, costumed figures welcome visitors to the historic center, serving dishes inspired by the past and made on-site using traditional ingredients.

Hot and cold dishes, wine, and lively entertainment turn the experience into a true time-travel adventure. Over two days, the city’s neighborhoods come alive with historical reenactments:

• Saturday: 6:00 PM to Midnight
• Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  Admission is free.

Flag Festival 

Drums, colors, and flags take over Piazza Risorgimento during this captivating event. Flag bearers perform intricate, synchronized maneuvers, creating a mesmerizing display of colors, excitement, and joy.

This year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Alba’s Flag Wavers and Musicians, the festival will begin at 11:00 AM with a special recognition ceremony by the city’s administration.

Cooking Classes

For those who love culinary adventures, the fair offers the chance to uncover the secrets of renowned national and international chefs. These talented cooks dedicate their creativity to crafting dishes tailored to the white gold of Langhe. The programs run every weekend during the fair, at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Additionally, you can check out other exciting events directly on the official website of the International Alba White Truffle Fair.

How to Buy Tickets for the Alba White Truffle Fair

Some attractions during the fair are free, while others require tickets. Make sure to check the full schedule on the official website for details.

Where to Stay in Alba During the White Truffle Festival

Alba warmly welcomes its visitors, offering excellent accommodation options to enhance your stay. Here are some exclusive and sophisticated suggestions:

Casa di Langa

Nestled in 42 hectares of vineyards and hills, this hotel stands out as the first in the world to offer a truffle concierge. Also guests can join a truffle hunt led by a seasoned trifulau and their expertly trained dog, making for an unforgettable experience.

Relais San Maurizio

Located in a charming area with unique geography, this 17th-century former monastery envelops guests in peace and harmony. Surrounded by lush green hills, it invites you to embrace the slow travel lifestyle. For that reason, staying here promises a memorable journey through history and nature.

Il Boscareto Resort

This contemporary-style hotel contrasts beautifully with the region’s historic villages. The luxurious rooms and suites feature modern furniture softened by classic colors and vintage-inspired fabrics. Many rooms offer stunning views, and some suites include terraces overlooking the vineyards or nearby villages, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and indulgence.

What to Do in Alba Besides the Truffle Fair

Alba is a small city, and you can explore it in just one day. Start by visiting Alba Cathedral, where you can admire its stunning Gothic architecture. Then, head to the Tower of a Hundred, one of the city’s oldest structures, and climb to the top for panoramic views. Afterward, explore the Civic Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts dating from the Bronze Age to Roman times.

Discover the Beauty of Langhe

The rural heart of Piedmont is carved by rolling hills adorned with vineyards. This region boasts a rich history of winemaking and a deep connection between humans and their natural environment, earning it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Langhe is home to charming villages that evoke a sense of timelessness.

By car, you can easily visit enchanting towns such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Monforte d’Alba, each adding unique charm to your journey. Be sure to stop at the Grinzane Cavour Castle, where history comes alive and offers a glimpse into life in centuries past.

Of course, the region is also renowned for its culinary delights. Whether dining in traditional trattorias or Michelin-starred restaurants, the gastronomic pleasures of Langhe are unparalleled.

Plan Your Perfect Piedmont Journey

With so many incredible attractions, it’s hard not to feel the urge to pack your bags and go. To make your dream trip a reality, the Cieli di Toscana team is here to craft the perfect itinerary for you. Contact our specialists today because, once you experience the allure of Alba and Langhe, there’s no turning back!

André Freitas is a copywriter and has traveled to 28 countries, always juggling to include Italy in the itinerary, which resulted in 19 cities and a list of tips.