90th Anniversary of the Pollone Alpini Group (Celebrations with the Coda-Serralunga Memorial)
Three days of remembrance, sports, and community celebration for the 90th anniversary of the Pollone Alpini Group
About 90th Alpini Pollone
The 90th Anniversary of the Pollone Alpini Group
In the heart of the Biella region, at the foot of the Serra and the Oropa Sanctuary, the Municipality of Pollone (Province of Biella, Piedmont) celebrates a significant milestone: the 90th anniversary of the founding of its Alpini Group, a local section of the National Alpini Association (A.N.A.) of Biella. For the occasion, the town transforms into a large, festive space with a program that weaves together memory, sports, and conviviality over three days.
An anniversary that is a community celebration
More than just a commemorative event, the festivities aim to honor the historical and social role that the Alpini have played and continue to play in the life of the territory. The common thread is the values that have always distinguished the 'black feathers': solidarity, service, and a sense of belonging. For this reason, the anniversary is not reserved for members only, but involves the entire citizenry, local associations, and Alpini groups from other sections, all invited to rally around the Pollone community.
Sports and memory with the Coda-Serralunga Memorial
The sporting heart of the event is the Franco Coda and Chiara Serralunga Memorial, a 5 km road race that winds through the town center and also serves as the A.N.A. Sectional Road Running Championship. Alongside the competitive race, there is a non-competitive fun run/walk on the same route, open to everyone. This deeply felt event has seen broad participation from athletes and walkers from across the Biella area.
The procession to Colle San Barnaba
The most solemn moment is the Sunday gathering: starting with the flag-raising in Piazza San Rocco, the procession—accompanied by the Valle Elvo Alpini Band—ascends to Colle San Barnaba, a stunning panoramic balcony overlooking the Biella region. Here, Holy Mass is held in memory of the Alpini who have passed away, followed by a community lunch at the parish oratory. Dozens of Alpini groups parade with their banners in a festive setting that brings together over two hundred people.
An exhibition to remember the Adunata
The celebrations are framed by a photo exhibition dedicated to the Alpini world, promoted by the Fotoclub Biella, which engages citizens, associations, and groups from other sections: a way to preserve the memory of the great national gatherings and the deep bond between the Alpini and the city of Biella.
90th Alpini Pollone — edition 2026
The 90th-anniversary edition took place in Pollone from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, spanning from the Friday sports evening to the grand Sunday gathering. The event, organized by the Pollone Alpini Group (A.N.A. Biella Section), brought together over 200 participants and 37 Alpini groups with their respective banners, in the presence of local mayors and provincial and regional authorities. The Walter Coda Zabetta Trophy was awarded to the largest Alpini group.
Programme 90th Alpini Pollone 2026
Friday, May 22
- 18:00 — Meeting in Piazza San Rocco
- 19:15 — Start of the non-competitive fun walk (5 km through the town streets)
- 19:30 — Start of the Franco Coda and Chiara Serralunga Memorial, a 5 km road race, also serving as the A.N.A. Sectional Road Running Championship (80 walkers and 50 registered for the race, 130 total participants)
- 20:30 — Aperitif at the parish oratory with musical entertainment by the group "Transversal"
Sunday, May 24
- 09:00 — Gathering in Piazza San Rocco
- 09:30 — Flag-raising ceremony
- Following — Procession towards Colle San Barnaba accompanied by the Valle Elvo Alpini Band
- 11:00 — Holy Mass at Colle San Barnaba
- Following — Community lunch at the parish oratory
During the gathering, a shuttle service is active between Piazza San Rocco and Colle San Barnaba. In case of bad weather, the procession is diverted directly to the parish church. The event is framed by the photo exhibition "Vivere l'Adunata. Ricordando gli Alpini a Biella" promoted by the Fotoclub Biella.
Highlights 90th Alpini Pollone 2026
- Franco Coda and Chiara Serralunga memorial run (5 km), with non-competitive walk
- Procession to Colle San Barnaba with the Valle Elvo Alpini Band
- Holy Mass and community lunch at the oratory
- Over 200 participants and 37 Alpini groups with their banners
- Walter Coda Zabetta Trophy for the largest group
Prices 90th Alpini Pollone 2026
Practical information — 90th Alpini Pollone
How to get there
Pollone is located in the Biella area, just a few kilometers from Biella. By car, it can be reached via the SS230 in the direction of Oropa/Pollone; from Turin and Milan, exit the A4 motorway at Carisio or Santhià and continue towards Biella. By train, the reference station is Biella San Paolo, which is connected to Pollone by local bus lines.
Venue
The celebrations take place between Piazza San Rocco, the town center streets, and Colle San Barnaba. During the gathering, a shuttle service is available between Piazza San Rocco and Colle San Barnaba.
Tips
In case of bad weather, the procession will be diverted directly to the parish church. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for the climb to the hill.
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Where does it take place — 90th Alpini Pollone
Piazza San Rocco e Colle San Barnaba