70th Anniversary of the Alpini Group of Locana 1956-2026

Seventy years of 'Penne Nere' in Locana

In 2026, the Alpini Group of Locana reaches a major milestone: the 70th anniversary of its founding, which took place in 1956. To mark the occasion, from June 26th to 28th, 2026, the town of Locana, located in the Orco Valley at the foot of the Gran Paradiso massif, will host three days of festivities blending association commemorations with the conviviality typical of local Alpine festivals. The heart of the event is Piazza Gran Paradiso, the group's historic home, where the 'Penne Nere' (Black Feathers) welcome members, families, and visitors alike.

The daily program

The festival kicks off on Friday, June 26th, at 6:00 PM with the AperAlpino, a convivial aperitif to start the celebrations, followed by an evening of music featuring the PMI 883 cover band, dedicated to the repertoire of Max Pezzali, for a fun-filled opening night.

Saturday, June 27th, is dedicated to gastronomic traditions: starting at 10:00 AM, enjoy the arrosticini day accompanied by a craft market set up in the town center. In the evening, music takes center stage again with the Radio Gran Paradiso Disco Mobile.

Sunday, June 28th, is the official and most solemn day: at 9:00 AM, the gathering at the Alpini headquarters; at 9:15 AM, the Alpine breakfast; at 10:30 AM, the flag-raising ceremony; and at 11:00 AM, the field mass with the laying of a wreath in memory of the fallen, followed by a parade accompanied by the Fanfara Montenero. Starting at 1:00 PM, a community lunch and afternoon festivities will conclude the long weekend.

Mountain flavors and atmosphere

Throughout all three days, the bar and the Alpine burger stand will be open, alongside the ever-present arrosticini: a simple and genuine menu that reflects the convivial spirit of the Alpini. Between music, the brass band, the market, and the food, the event showcases the identity of a mountain community deeply rooted in its traditions.

Locana and the Alpine tradition

Located about 62 km from Turin along the Orco Valley, Locana is the largest municipality in the valley, with part of its territory falling within the Gran Paradiso National Park. Amidst pastures, ancient forests, and over a hundred hamlets, the Alpini Group festival is one of the most cherished summer events: an opportunity to gather, remember, and renew the values of solidarity and memory that inspire the 'Penne Nere' throughout Piedmont.