Chiesetto "In Ciuma al Prà" Festival

A festival in the Walser heart of Valsesia

The Chiesetto "In Ciuma al Prà" Festival is one of the most beloved traditions for the small community of Carcoforo, a Walser village in the Egua Valley, a side valley of Valsesia in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont. Nestled in a bright basin at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters, Carcoforo is one of the highest and least populated villages in the valley, where a few dozen inhabitants still keep alive the legacy of the Walser settlers who arrived between the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Chiesetto, a symbolic landmark

The festival revolves around the Chiesetto, a small chapel that gives the event its name: the local dialect expression "in ciuma al prà" means "at the top of the meadow," reflecting its position overlooking the village pastures. It is one of the community's most cherished spots, a meeting place that combines devotion with a sense of belonging, and an occasion for everyone to come together at the start of summer.

Prayer, Mass, and conviviality

The day, traditionally held on June 2nd, begins with a gathering at the Chiesetto and a moment of prayer, continues with Holy Mass at the Santa Croce parish church, and concludes with an aperitif in the church square. It is a simple yet heartfelt program that blends prayer, tradition, and conviviality: for many locals, it is an unmissable appointment, best experienced by bringing along the famous "Bicchiere del Chiesetto" (Chiesetto Glass).

Organizers and Walser identity

The event is managed by the Walser Carcoforo Group together with the Pro Loco Carcoforo, organizations dedicated to promoting the culture, language, and traditions of this ancient alpine linguistic island. The festival reflects the identity of a village that, despite its small size, maintains a strong historical consciousness and a deep bond with its mountain territory.

A summer of events in Carcoforo

The Chiesetto Festival ideally inaugurates the village's summer season: in the following months, the Carcoforo calendar is enriched with competitions, gatherings, sporting events, and traditional moments that enliven the Egua Valley, a gateway to numerous hikes and alpine huts. It is a perfect opportunity to discover one of the most authentic and evocative villages in Upper Valsesia.