Suonata Conchiglie Roero

Castagnito

Guarene

Magliano Alfieri

Vezza D'Alba

An ancient tradition, still in use in many Roero villages in the days leading up to Easter, to replace the ringing of bells “in mourning” for the Passion of Christ.

On Saturday, April 4th, shells are “rung” in the villages of Castagnito, Guarene, Castellinaldo, Vezza d'Alba and Magliano Alfieri.
This is an ancient tradition still in use in the Roero in the days leading up to Easter.
From Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, in fact, church bells ring “mute” as a sign of mourning for the Passion of Christ, and for this reason the tradition of blowing into large perforated shells to produce a deep sound, similar to that of a horn and capable of traveling great distances, was born to replace the tolling of the bells.
The large helical shells used are the Charonia nodifera, widespread on coasts throughout the Mediterranean and arrived in our hills thanks to trade with nearby Liguria via the Salt Route. These are now passed down from father to son and are treasured as cherished and important objects from time immemorial.

Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 11:30 am:

where:
- CASTAGNITO: On the bric of Castelverde, at the highest point of the village reachable from Garibaldi Square. . (Geolocation)
- GUARENE: in Roma Square, in front of the Town Hall. A narrative open to all on the meanings of this ritual will be offered at 10 a.m. in the Sala Anfossi of City Hall. (Geolocation)
- CASTELLINALDO D'ALBA: on the scenic plateau of the Church of San Servasio. (Geolocation)
- VEZZA D'ALBA: on the high ground of the village where the remains of the vanished medieval castle stand.((Geolocation)
- MAGLIANO ALFIERI: on the “belvedere” in Vittorio Alfieri Park, in front of the castle. (Geolocation)