Caritun Festival of Saint Anthony the Abbot

A popular tradition in the heart of the Saluzzo area

In Rifreddo, a small town in the province of Cuneo at the foot of Monviso, one of the community's most beloved traditions is renewed every mid-January: the Caritun Festival of Saint Anthony the Abbot. The event revolves around the figure of the hermit saint, protector of animals and patron of farmers, and is deeply rooted in the rural culture that has characterized this corner of Piedmont for centuries.

"Caritun": the star-shaped blessed bread

The true star of the festival is the "Caritun," a star-shaped loaf that is blessed during the religious service and then given to the public in exchange for a donation. The name itself reveals its origin: in the past, on the day dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot, it was customary to offer bread to the poor. That act of charity gave the donated bread the name "Caritun," linking this unique festival to the charitable mission that the Church has always upheld.

The red chapel and the blessing of the animals

The celebration takes place at the picturesque red chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony on Via Parrocchia, the spiritual heart of the event. After Holy Mass, the traditional blessing of the animals follows—a highly anticipated moment that highlights the deep bond between the saint and the farming world. In case of bad weather, the services are moved to the parish church in Piazza della Vittoria.

The charity auction for the chapel

The distribution of the blessed bread is followed by the "incanto," a charity auction where all proceeds go toward the maintenance and care of the chapel. It is a convivial moment that brings together the residents of Rifreddo and the surrounding Saluzzo area, renewing the sense of community and solidarity that has animated this festival for generations.

An identity-defining event of rural Piedmont

The Caritun Festival is an authentic example of Piedmontese folk tradition, where religious devotion, rural culture, and solidarity merge into a single day of celebration. For those visiting the Piedmont region and the Cuneo area in winter, it is a precious opportunity to discover a genuine rite, far from the usual tourist circuits, deeply rooted in the identity of the town of Rifreddo.