Even if bleary-eyed and a tad weary, my brain somehow bamboozled the rest of me into feeling shipshape and eager enough to head back to Gropparello’s football stadium for the concluding night of the Festa dei Cuion and, with it being August 2nd, the festival’s ceremonial evening. This is the night when the three biggest “dumbasses” of 2026 are invited onto the podium while the crowd enthusiastically cheers them on, allowing the winners to stand tall and bask in all their glory and fleeting fame.
As people replenish their sun-battered bodies with delicious food and drink, the duo of Clarissa Corradi and Giacomo Carini take to the stage. With warm, tender vocals, tasteful acoustic guitar and an easy-going charm, they create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing anticipation for the night’s main events to build naturally. Corradi, from Piacenza, is best known for her work in musical theatre, but she specially prepared a set for the Festa featuring an excellent selection of covers, including Hallelujah, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Ain’t No Sunshine.
At around 9.15 p.m., it’s time for the award ceremony. Hosting proceedings is local favourite Luca Taranti, the festival’s official master of ceremonies. This year, first place was shared by around half a dozen people collectively involved in one particularly amusing mishap, earning them the warmth and affection they so justifiably deserved.
The pièce de résistance chosen to close this year’s Festa dei Cuion is Ruggero de I Timidi. Much like the coveted Sunday evening slot at Glastonbury, closing this festival is an honour, and Ruggero proves to be a perfect fit. His blend of music, comedy and wonderfully absurd stage antics perfectly captures the irreverent spirit that has defined the weekend from beginning to end.
Ruggero de I Timidi is the stage name of Andrea Sambucco, an Italian singer-songwriter and comedian. His stage persona is that of a quasi polished crooner seemingly transported straight from the 1950s and ’60s, creating a deliciously ironic contrast between his awkward demeanor and his lyrics that are often explicit, surreal and hilariously modern. Following appearances on popular Italian comedy programmes such as Zelig, together with more than a decade of successful releases, he has built a loyal following. Judging by the crowd tonight, many fans have travelled to Gropparello to join the local festival-goers and visitors from the surrounding villages.
He is currently touring his wonderfully eccentric new show, SHYLAND—an electronic parallel universe designed to make you dance, blending his classic hits with pure comedy.
Never one to shy away from theatrical costumes, Ruggero’s flamboyant style is enthusiastically embraced by the audience. Wigs and novelty attire are everywhere you look. In fact, there are probably more wigs on display tonight than Elton John has in his wardrobe. Well maybe I'm exaggerating but it's a good line.
It’s just great fun as Ruggero cajoles the audience into singalongs and synchronised arm-waving while performing wonderfully bizarre songs such as Vacanze d’Estate, L’Estate del Reggaeton and Padre e Figlio.
With DJ Mr Heil bringing the festival to its energetic conclusion and people dancing well into the early hours of the morning, all that remains is to thank the Promis committee for their remarkable hospitality, tireless dedication and countless hours of work in creating such a unique event. They deserve recognition and, in no particular order, are: Marco Maggi, Marco Vincenti, Mattia Iudicello, Gabriele Marchioni, Alessandro Maggi, Paolo Paraboschi, Andrea Campana, Andrea Previdi and Maurizio Marchioni.
A special mention must also go to the people of Gropparello, who once again embrace the festival and happily tolerate music echoing through the village long into the small hours. Finally, thanks are due to the local Carabinieri, whose calm and professional presence ensures the safety of thousands of visitors without ever dampening the joyous spirit of the occasion.
There are festivals with bigger budgets, bigger stages and bigger headline acts. Far, far bigger. But very few can match the warmth, humour and genuine sense of community found here. Festa dei Cuion isn’t simply an event; it’s a celebration of friendship, tradition and the simple art of not taking life too seriously.
Gropparello really is one of a kind. If you fancy stepping back to a time when villages gathered simply to laugh, eat, drink and enjoy each other’s company, make a note in your diary. Festa dei Cuion 2027 will be waiting for you—and you’ll be welcomed not as a stranger, but as a friend.
Photo credit: Marco Gandolfi
