Candlemas Festival — Purification of Mary

The patron saint festival of Braone

The Candlemas Festival is the patronal feast of Braone, a small municipality in Valle Camonica, in the province of Brescia. It is dedicated to Saint Mary of Purification, Our Lady of Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, and unfolds over several days that combine the religious dimension with the community and convivial one.

Faith, candles, and procession

The spiritual heart of the festival is the blessing of the candles, an ancient rite linked to Candlemas, followed by the procession and the solemn mass in the church of Santa Maria della Purificazione. Enriching the celebrations are the Songs to Saint Mary performed by the choir Voci dalla Rocca, which give voice to the devotion of the town.

Community, cuisine, and street party

Alongside the liturgical moments, the festival offers numerous community initiatives:

• the dinner with a local menu, by reservation, in the village schools;
• evenings of music and songs in the village venues;
• stalls and a market;
• the street party with flag-wavers, musicians, and traditional games.

Organized by the whole town

The Candlemas Festival is the result of collaboration between the Pro Loco of Braone, the parish, the municipal administration, and the Alpini Group. It is an event that brings the entire community together each year, blending spirituality, tradition, and conviviality in the heart of the Camunian winter, and representing one of the most important identity moments for this village in Valle Camonica.