On Saturday March, 21st from 6pm, the Lenten tradition of the Cantè j' euv returns to Monticello d'Alba - Borgo.
Cantè J'Euv, or “egg questua,” is a Lenten custom that took place in farming communities throughout southern Piedmont: the Langhe, Roero, Monferrato, Alessandrino, and Acquese.
To welcome spring, small groups of young people, as nature and the new cycle of life woke up, would take to the hills at night and reach the farmyards of the most distant farmsteads; here they would improvise as musicians and singers and intone a song under the windows of the householders, waiting for them to awaken from their first sleep to ask for a gift in return for the wish for new life they were carrying.
Peasants, often awakened by the barking of dogs, would descend into the yards and donate fresh eggs or other foodstuffs, which the group of questors would keep until Angel Monday to make omelets during the Easter “snack”.
Stingy families who did not open their doors were reserved for a few stanzas of “curses,” which the group would chant to chastise the house and inhabitants who did not welcome the beneficial spring spirit of which they felt they were ambassadors.
A night of folklore, music, songs, goliardia and conviviality with the food and wine stalls of the Pro Loco del Roero (Ceresole d'Alba, Monticello d'Alba, Pocapaglia and Sanfrè) that will join together to once again originate this initiative.
Numerous food stations with local dishes and wines with musical entertainment await you in the square.
Have fun!
