The Pirate Festival returns for its 12th edition on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August in Pella, on the shores of Lake Orta. For two days, the village transforms into a captivating pirate haven, where themed stalls, live shows, music, and food experiences bring the spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy back to life. Admission is free, and the event is designed to entertain visitors of all ages, with activities and performances that make the lake the perfect setting for an unforgettable weekend.

Organised by the Cultural Association “Pirates of Lake Orta”, the festival was created from a passion for pirate history and a desire to showcase the local area through an original event that, year after year, attracts visitors and enthusiasts to one of Piedmont’s most enchanting landscapes.

On Sunday 2 August, the Pirate Festival becomes a real treasure hunt adventure. A day unlike any other, where Lake Orta turns into the backdrop for a pirate quest filled with clues, riddles, and challenges to overcome.

Everyone is welcome to take part, but there is one essential rule: to fully embrace the spirit of the event, participants are encouraged to wear historically inspired costumes based on the Golden Age of Piracy, between the 17th and 18th centuries. There is no need to buy expensive outfits — creativity, imagination, and the desire to play the role of a pirate are all that is required.

Participants can join individually or form their own crew. Once the hunt begins, they will have to follow clues, solve puzzles, complete challenges, and work together to uncover the hidden treasure. Each edition features a new storyline, making the experience different every year — even for those who have already taken part in previous editions.

The treasure hunt is designed as a unique way to discover the area: it is not simply a guided route, but a true exploration challenge. Participants receive a map and must decide their own strategies and movements as they compete to outsmart rival crews and reach the treasure first.

The adventure is suitable for both children, who can immerse themselves in the atmosphere, costumes, and role-playing experience, and adults, who will have the chance to test their intuition, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Younger participants are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult, as the adventure includes moments of independent exploration.

Taking part is easy: no boat is required (and owning one does not provide any advantage). Participants simply need to register in advance and arrive at the meeting point and time indicated by the organisers. In recent years, the starting point has been in Pella, on Lake Orta, although final details are announced closer to each edition.

The treasure hunt usually begins in the morning, with the grand final rendezvous taking place after around four to six hours of adventure. The day ends with the awards ceremony, music, and celebrations — the perfect finale to an unforgettable pirate experience on the shores of Lake Orta.

Prepare your costume, gather your crew, and sharpen your wits: the next clue could already be the first step towards the treasure.