There is a charming village nestled among the hills of the Monferrato and the Langhe that has earned a major international accolade thanks to its care for green spaces, its sustainability, and the active participation of its community. It is Costigliole d’Asti, which in Montreal, Canada, won the International Challenge (Small) category in the 32nd edition of the prestigious international competition Communities in Bloom 2026, which brought together municipalities from Canada, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, and the United States.
Each year, the initiative rewards realities that stand out for the quality of urban greenery and the living environment, through projects of sustainability, landscape redevelopment, and community involvement. The assessment goes beyond the beauty of the blooms, also taking into account environmental planning, biodiversity, climate resilience, and active citizen engagement. A recognition like the one earned by Costigliole highlights a territory where landscape care weaves together with traditions and a focus on quality of life.
Costigliole d’Asti’s Victory
Set on the hills of the Astesana, right at the exact border between the Monferrato and the Langhe, the village of Costigliole d’Asti is not only an exemplar for eno-gastronomy, but also for the enhancement of green spaces. In Communities in Bloom 2026 it claimed the top position in the category for small communities: what convinced the jury was not only the beauty of the floral installations, but also the municipality’s ability to build more sustainable, welcoming, livable, and well-kept territories. The finalist alongside the Asti administration was the U.S. city of Logan, Ohio.
To lead the Italian candidature and the preparation path for Costigliole d’Asti’s initiative was Asproflor (Association for the Promotion of Floriculture and Horticulture), promoter of the Comuni Fioriti brand (which in 2026 also welcomed Pordenone). “This is an extraordinary result, which rewards Costigliole d’Asti and represents a source of pride for all of Piedmont and for Italy,” stated Sergio Ferraro, president of Asproflor. “Being in the final with an American entity like Logan, in Ohio, and securing first place means seeing internationally recognised work that goes far beyond the mere care of blooms.”
The association’s mission is clear: to transform public green spaces into a strategic infrastructure for sustainable development, capable of generating enduring beauty, boosting the local economy, and improving the quality of life.
The Award for Cultural Heritage
The top spot in the small-communities category is not the only recognition earned by Costigliole d’Asti. Also honoured were “The Flag Bearers and Musicians,” i.e., the flag wavers and musicians who contribute to passing down the tradition.
The international judges Anthony O’Neill and Andrea Bocsi commented: “Following the path of the traditional art of flag bearing, handed down by their ancestors, the community has managed to develop and enrich this tradition, earning important recognition across Europe and establishing itself as a leading reality in the field of historical performances. We congratulate all those who contributed to the development of this activity and the artists who participate in it, for the dedication and commitment shown in keeping this tradition alive in Costigliole d’Asti.”
In particular, the project “represents a particularly significant example of the ability to guarantee the continuity of the tradition, fostering the transfer of knowledge and skills to new generations,” they concluded. The recognition thus also highlights the value of Costigliole d’Asti’s traditions and historical events, demonstrating how local history, cultural initiatives, and citizen involvement contribute to making a territory more authentic and attractive.
