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

Organised by the Cultural Association “Pirates of Lake Orta”, the festival was born from a passion for pirate history and a desire to showcase the local area through a unique event that has attracted visitors and enthusiasts year after year. Set against one of Piedmont’s most enchanting landscapes, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience where history, imagination, and entertainment come together.

One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the Best Costume Contest, taking place on Saturday 1 August. Open to everyone and free to enter, the competition invites participants to take part either individually or as a group, presenting costumes that stand out for their creativity, attention to detail, and character interpretation.

Contestants will parade in front of the audience and a jury made up of a local council representative, an artist, an advertising professional, an eccentric personality, and a pirate. Awards will go to the most original costumes, those crafted with the greatest care, and those that best capture the spirit of piracy while adding a touch of imagination and humour. The winner will receive the official prize and earn the honour of becoming the face of the Pirate Festival until the following edition — a recognition that has made the contest one of the event’s defining moments.