White Truffle of Alba Fair 2025: tradition, fragrance and flavor

The Alba Truffle Fair is the beating heart of autumn in the Langhe. For over 90 years, this truffle festival has turned the town of Alba into a stage celebrating taste, aromas, and tradition. White truffles, fine wines, local folklore, and cultural events: everything revolves around Italy’s most famous underground treasure.
In 2025, the International Alba White Truffle Fair returns with a rich program and a brand-new inspirational theme.

The theme of the 2025 edition of the Alba White Truffle Fair is “The Many Shades of Respect”.
A deep and meaningful concept that embraces the land, the people, the products, and the culture of the Langhe. Every event, exhibition, and performance will be designed to highlight respect for the environment, biodiversity, and genuine human connections.
The Alba white truffle may take center stage, but the true richness lies in the community that surrounds it.

The Alba Truffle Fair has deep roots: it began in 1928 as the Harvest Fair, an evolution of the more modest Mussotto Fair, which had been held in September for just one day. It was thanks to a decree by the Podestà, lawyer Giulio Cesare Moreno, that a new, fifteen-day celebration was established—one destined to leave its mark on Alba’s history.

During the very first Harvest Fair, Langhe villages joined in with festive floats. The most admired came from Barbaresco.
But the real turning point came with the first public presentation of white truffles, thanks to the vision of Giacomo Morra. That moment marked the birth of a truffle festival that would forever change the city’s culinary destiny.

In 1929, the truffle exhibition got its own dedicated space, and local trifolao (truffle hunters) were finally able to display and sell their prized tubers. Late autumn was chosen as the season—perfect timing for the harvest. A true case of visionary marketing, even back then!
The truffle fair became a standalone event, gradually taking center stage over the grape harvest celebrations.

By 1930, the event was still called the Harvest Festival, but it was also recognized as the Second Truffle Fair of Alba. Interest was growing—even abroad. The fragrant truffles of the Langhe began to capture the curiosity of other European countries, laying the foundation for what would become the International Alba White Truffle Fair.

1931–1932: The birth of beloved traditions

In 1931, two major events were held: the National Grape Festival and the Third Truffle Fair of Alba.
By 1932, the growing number of tourists drawn by the truffles confirmed the event’s success. That same year, Pinot Gallizio created the Palio degli Asini, a parody of the Palio of Asti.
A witty and down-to-earth idea that has become one of the fair’s most cherished traditions.

As the years passed, all the various festivals merged into one grand celebration: the Alba White Truffle Fair as we know it today. A unique blend of culture, gastronomy, history, and entertainment that wins over every visitor to Alba and the Langhe each fall.

The heart of the fair is the World Market of the Alba White Truffle, set up in the Cortile della Maddalena.
Here you can purchase fresh certified truffles, inspected by a quality commission. It’s a safe and trusted place to meet the trifolao, get advice from experts, and learn how to recognize the real Tuber Magnatum Pico.

The market also features traditional Piedmontese products, tastings, exhibitions, and wine-focused areas.
An irresistible mix for anyone who loves authentic flavors and wants to take home a piece of the Langhe.

One experience you simply can’t miss is the truffle hunt.
Accompanied by a trifolao and his loyal dog, you’ll head into the Langhe woods to feel the thrill of discovery.
The search is genuine, along real trails, and always respectful of nature.

You can book a truffle hunt with SlowDays, paired with a traditional lunch, a winery visit, or a village tour.
It’s one of the most popular activities during the truffle fair.

What’s the best way to enjoy Alba white truffle?
Raw, freshly shaved, over simple yet high-quality dishes: tajarin with butter, fried eggs, or traditional Piedmontese raw beef.
Restaurants in Alba offer seasonal truffle menus, including creative pairings and gourmet twists.

Alternatively, you can join guided tastings, show-cooking events, workshops, and special dinners organized during the Fair.
Be sure to book in advance—spots are limited!

The 2025 program promises to be packed with events: cultural happenings, shows, art exhibitions, kids’ workshops, and meet-and-greets with Michelin-starred chefs.
Don’t miss the return of the Palio degli Asini, the Joust of the Hundred Towers, the Baccanale of the Villages, and many more events held in collaboration with the Wine Fair and the Gourmet Street Food Fair.

Check out the full schedule on the official website.

When does the Alba Truffle Fair take place?

Usually from early October to mid-December. The 2025 edition will follow the same pattern, with events every weekend. Official dates will be published on the International Truffle Fair website.

Do I need to book in advance to visit the fair?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to reserve tickets for the World Market of the Alba White Truffle and special events. Restaurants and hotels also fill up quickly—book as early as possible.

Where is the truffle market held?

Right in the heart of Alba, inside the Cortile della Maddalena. Here you can buy certified white truffles, inspected and sold with expert guidance.

Which events should I not miss?

• Palio degli Asini (first Sunday of October)
• Investiture of the Podestà
• Showcooking with Michelin-starred chefs
• Baccanale of the Villages
• Truffle hunting with a trifolao

Can I experience the fair in a personalized way?

Absolutely! SlowDays offers tailor-made experiences including truffle hunting, tastings, and rustic lunches.